Originally Posted by jamienbaker

Korean 801. Flash 604. Garuda 200. Adam Air 574. Kenya 507. And these are just the ones that are on the top of my head (all of which pilot error is to blame, KE801 in particular having cultural overtones). To me, the argument that "the pilots have a vested interest in staying alive" is the flimsiest case for safety one can possibly make. As for the original poster, I'm relieved and not that surprised that you made it safely and I hope you were able to enjoy the service.

Here's a question. Had you been a passenger on Northwest 255 or Spanair 5022 seated in First and noticed the flaps were improperly set, would you have tried to storm the cockpit? In both instances, any novice pilot or accomplished road warrior could have glanced out and realized these flights wouldn't have made it off the ground. I've told myself for years I won't go out like that, and have even insisted on some occasions that my seatmate life his/her window shade so I can be certain we are properly configured. Probably a good way to get arrested, but there's no question a few hundred folks would still be with us had perhaps somebody (flight attendant?) taken the time to glance out the window.