I have always had grave reservations about who, other than the captain, can call an abort.
Fine - I'm sure we can just leave the (S)FO at home then... How can you, as Captain and PF, make as informed a decision as the PNF, who is spending most of the takeoff run studying the Engine (and other) Insts? How can you, as Captain, as PNF, assess a Handling Problem?
In BA:
- The (S)FO can call STOP, as PNF, for a specified list of items (e.g. the Eng Fail above)
- The (S)FO has a slightly extended list as PF (blocked Runway - Handling problem)
- The Division of duties (PF/PNF) means that for each reason to STOP, only one person is usually in a good position to call STOP (e.g. PNF for an indicated problem, PF for a handling problem)
- We all know STOP is only to be called below V1. Even if called erroneously (as decided by the Mgmt later), the STOP should still be safe.
- Captain only has an overall discretion
Thre is no doubt in my mind that the captain should always be the one to decide on, then initiate the abort, with all handling of brakes, speed brakes and reverse by the captain- particularly on a slippery runway abort where a cross wind might require judicious juggling of reverse thrust if the aircraft starts to weather-cock due wind and reverse thrust vectors
Again - wrong IMHO. If the (S)FO is PH, surely he should initiate the abort? To expect the Captain to call STOP, and then take over the PF duties in an instant, and have the (S)FO immediately take up PNF duties takes up valuable time when you do not have it.
If your (S)FO is not up to calling STOP in clearly defined circumstances, and initiating an RTO, then the 2 crew concept in your airline is true Man & Dog.
And before you say "sounds confusing", the BA SOP, and the list of who can call STOP, and what for, and the drills for initiating the STOP, and when/if the Captain will take control is rehearsed before each Departure (LH) / 1st daily dperture (SH). And practiced X times each Sim...
I am not saying the BA system is perfect, but reading some of the opinions here, a lot better than others!
NoD