threepoint

In their hasty attempt to generalize, CNN made numerous assumptions.

Was the FO hospitalized in an Irish mental ward? The report merely states he was in hospital for 11 days.

Was there a struggle in removing the FO? The report mentions an FA's wrist was injured in the process, but can we make that leap?

Did the captain search for "any passenger who was a qualified pilot" or just for deadheading AC pilots on the manifest? I interpreted it as likely the latter. I would assume (AC staff please correct as required) that a captain might opt to continue the diversion solo as opposed to accepting an unknown stranger into the cockpit of his airplane - regardless of the flying skills and good intent of that passenger. Fortunately, the CPL-rated FA provided an excellent solution.

Finally, did her expired instrument rating mean that she no longer had a valid "license to read cockpit instruments"? My word.

And some geeks on airliners.net would have a field day with the accompanying picture of the four-engined 767 with winglets...

gaelflyer

Irish newspaper coverage

http://www.independent.ie/national-n...d-1546207.html

Machdiamond

Not being "current" is not as strong as "expired". All it means is that she did not perform six instrument landings in the preceding six months, but she was instrument rated nonetheless.

DontCallMeShirley

and Fox

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,455064,00.html

dibby

I was called to assess a passenger with a medical emergency on a flight a couple of years ago and discovered that the flight attendant had been an RN (registered nurse). Her assistance was very helpful.
Sure, it wasn't helping to land a plane, but it did point out to me that people become flight attendants for various reasons and that many may have specialized skills that go beyond doling out the BOB or making certain I have my seatbelt fastened.

Kudos to the whole crew with regards to the Irish incident.

threepoint

Yes, I know, thanks. My point was that there is no such thing as a "license to read cockpit instruments" and that every pilot is so rated, so to speak. It was classic journalistic simple-speak. The validity or expiration date of an instrument rating is merely semantics and regulatory and in no way supports any pilot's physical or mental ability to conduct an Instrument Rules flight.

Yep, agreed. I stated "the average FA..." and I stick to my assertion. There are licensed commercial pilots who work as flight attendants, which is great, but what percentage of the ranks do they represent? But most of the others, I maintain, wouldn't know a trim wheel from a flap handle. It was wonderful coincidence that a staff member with valid flying training was available to assist in this case.

Kagehitokiri

awesome ^

767300ER

I also saw an article on a newspaper this morning in HKG. I guess it makes a ''unusual'' aviation story and get attention worldwide. Article also mention the very professional way this situation has been handled by the Captain and the crew.