Paralytic

I got on my LHR-EDI flight yesterday and sat in 2C. A fully-suited pilot was sitting in 2A.

He was reading the Daily Mail (his choice) but I wanted to see what he did when the safety video came on. And, as it started, he made a point of putting the paper down, watched the video, then picked the paper up again when it finished.

Is this something crew are asked/trained to do?

When I initially sat down, I did say to him "Not driving today?" He retorted "Remote control" which did make me smile

BApilotinsider

I think that comes under 'setting an example'.

I do the same, even if it's on the type I am trained to fly. Details change and it's a minute out your life that could well save it one day...

G-BOAC

If nothing else, it is common courtesy to the crew standing there for the demo even if their part is just the exit bit on the video. If I can manage to take out my headphones or put down my paper every time as a passenger, I bloody well hope uniformed staff do so too without being asked. But especially so flight crew who give the "I appreciate many of you are frequent flyers" spiel about it on the PA.

Littlegirl

We are not specifically asked to but I find that all crew always watch the video as they know how important it is.

LTN Phobia

I find that BA crew members (both flight and cabin crew) are really good with watching the safety video, presumably to set an example, but also possibly due to their being more aware of the benefit of watching it even though they are very familiar with it.

matthandy

When my friend worked for another airline she always made a point of watching the safety, whether in uniform or not. As others have said, it sets a good example and it's common courtesy.

Speedbird876

It's interesting to hear Littlegirl say that crew are not specifically asked to watch the video.

I had a flight with a cabin crew member in full uniform recently. Like the op's experience, when the safety video started, she put down her paper and watched it too.

So, I'm even more impressed that it is something crew feel is important to do, rather than being compelled to do it.


The other thing about this situation is that it is difficult for crew in uniform to 'switch off' especially if on a flight/at the airport etc.

So, even though they were off duty the crew members in question had to be aware that they were being observed and people were passing judgements etc (eg on their newspaper choice/whether they watch the video or not).

Paralytic

That's why i asked. I expected that crew would feel compelled to do it, but wasn't sure if they were explicitly asked.

Just imaging what the passing of judgement would have been on this board if I'd said the off duty pilot had not watched the video!

LTN Phobia

I suppose there is no need to specifically ask them to do so when there is a request made to everyone on board to watch it anyway.

Globaliser

So, the people who are in a position to know whether or not it's important to watch the video clearly think that it's important.

In contrast, the frequent assertions here along the lines of "I've seen it so many times I don't need to watch it again" (or similar) probably usually come from people who wouldn't know which way up to hold an airways chart or a girt bar.

Can I help you

I always watch it as it's good to remind yourself what the customers actually sees.
Obviously we hear it all the time but cannot normally see the video.

Waterhorse

There is no instruction to watch the demo/video, but it is common courtesy and common sense.

LondonElite

It would be pretty rubbish PR if someone posted. YouTube video of a BA pilot reading the DM while the safety video was on.

BA6501

... as happened on my flight to STR two days ago...

rapidex

Or the flip side,if the off duty crew dont watch the safety video it only encourages the rest to follow suit.

If he wants to fly by remote control he should have had a long piece of string stretching from the flight deck.