Originally Posted by
CalIahFo
My questions are:
Does anyone actually pay attention to these?!
Yes.
Originally Posted by
CalIahFo
To see if you are paying attention can anyone tell me what is in the announcements? !
Depends on the crew. Last weekend, DL outbound to PHX. "We're experiencing some turbulence [actually, no more than light to moderate chop] at initial cruise [360] so we'll find smoother air at 240." [Really. 3.5 hrs at 240 all the way to PHX, accompanied by the sound of the 763 guzzling gas. Yes, it was smooth all the way. I doubt that CAL flight crew would have changed assigned FL for the insignificant chop. You guys would pound us at 360 in the 752... but then CO didn't lose $1.4bn etc.]
One of you guys: "We will be landing at Houston's George Bush Intergalactic airport in about fifteen minutes...". Did he really say that? Yes..
Originally Posted by
CalIahFo
Do you get any useful info from them?
Yes.
Originally Posted by
CalIahFo
Would you prefer we just shut up so you can sleep?
Only late on redeye flights. And when we encounter turb, let us know you've registered it and what you propose to do about it, if anything.
And if we're going to arrive early into SFO from NRT, tell us that Immigration and Customs don't report for work until 6am and we're going to be stuck at the gate for the entire hour we've gained thanks to the 200kt tailwinds. Deflate the expectation and frustration that builds when we can't get out.
If we're in the EWR holding pen in the 738, let us know what you know about expected, and realistic, departure times.
Originally Posted by
CalIahFo
Do you like additional announcements such as "those of you on the left side of the aircraft should have an excellent view of the Grand Canyon, while those on the right can see Mount Rainer..." (on a day with REALLY good visibility)
Fire away!
Yes.
Sparing but informative PAs by the commander always adds value to the flight package.
In some cases I've observed, like last month, they're more helpful than crews know. My companion was very perturbed about flying and she would freeze, waiting for the commander's PA regarding flight time and conditions. As she said, "I can't help it, I need to hear from the guys up front. I feel better when they've told me what's happening." She didn't tell the crew this, of course but she certainly relaxed after each PA.
And in one or two exceptional cases, the communication from the flight deck is absolutely critical, e.g.[following a severe turb encounter on the 744 descending into NRT, with multiple injuries in cabin] "No more turbulence has been reported. We've declared an emergency and are being expedited to NRT. We will be landing in seven minutes. Please remain in your seats and notify the flight crew if you believe you are injured. Do not attempt to retrieve your cabin luggage or leave your seats, it will impede the ability of our crews to reach those who may be injured.
On arrival, there will be a medevac procedure so if you do not believe you are hurt, please remain seated and allow the medical team to take care of those in need."
Etc.