stimpy: If the Captain violates the airline's rules he's answerable to the airline, and if he violates the FAR's he's answerable to the FAA; in no event, on an immediate operational basis, is he answerable to the passengers. Things would be kind of impractical otherwise, wouldn't they? Let's all vote on the flight plan and the fuel usage. The Constitution is not really much in play here; the rights enumerated exist mostly to protect people against the excesses of government.

I think we should recognize the extreme degree of responsibility that the pilots assume for the duration of the flight and cede to them the authority that comes with that responsibility. If I can't tolerate a little infringement upon my personal freedom for a couple of hours in order to get somewhere safely, I can always take two days and drive.

[This message has been edited by RichG (edited 09-27-2001).]