Hey folks, this topic started asking about SR111 tragedy, so: What could an F/E have made beside reading and following instructions on MD11 FCOM volume 1, like any other trained MD11 pilot, to avoid that crash? Until now authorities have not released any final report but everybody knows that the flight deck had severe smoke, in total or almost darkness and likely with some fire spots in the cabin and FWD galley. Ok, MD11 has 3 long troubleshooting pages to find the unknown origin of smoke/fumes of electrical or A/C, but unfortunately I don’t feel that a third member could have avoided the tragic ending. . .Anyway I believe that an additional crew member is very important and helpful but in modern airplanes and long haul flights the third (or fourth member) can be perfectly one more (or two) supplemental pilot, to perform any emergency duty, if necessary. I’m sure F/E’s usually have a deep knowledge about airplane systems but it’s usual to find a lot of guys without any previous piloting experience as well. So, let’s balance it and find what is really better for a modern aviation environment. . .By the way, as I could read in this tread some guys supposedly support a third crew member, but I think they are in fact looking for a maid to prepare their meal, check the airplane during rainny and cold days, say some jokes, etc, instead of one more man (or woman) to improve aviation safety.
[ 20 February 2002: Message edited by: start sequence 312 ]</p>