Originally Posted by
flightleader
Once the cabin crew interfered with the pilots operational decisions, the pilots had to do the most conservative action to defend themselves against any potential inquiry and associate repercussions. That is the real deal of life in the airline.
I strongly disagree. The PIC should make decisions based on all available info. If a cabin crew members is concerned, then this should be taken seriously and addressed. This may mean delaying a departure to double-check that all is ok and explaining to the cabin crew member why all is ok. The final decision rests with the PIC. There should never be a need for a PIC to do something that is unnecessary such as deicing an aircraft that doesn't require deicing, just to satisfy a cabin crew member or "cover his a..s". I certainly never felt that I had to do this in my 15 years as PIC.