Flying Scotsman
A couple of points:
Virtually all BA aircraft have tillers both sides.
You said:
'if the Captain/PNF can remember what drills/calls he/she is supposed to make at the important times.'
I would suggest that it is no more difficult than remembering any other procedure of any other airline.
In 15 years in both long and short haul I have never had a problem in not handling my own reverse thrust. As an aside it is policy on certainly two fleets, and I would guess the rest as well, that we only use idle reverse unless more is appropriate.
How about another BA horror: First Officers are allowed to start engines - gasp!
My last company only captains were considered competent to handle engine start.
I have worked for other companies and done it their way and believe me every company is different depending who wrote the manuals.
Even with my limited intellect and memory I have not had a problem remembering an SOP.
Finally, why is there always such a fuss about BA SOPs. They are SOPs, they are rigidly observed by virtually everybody I have ever flown with in either seat, they work well and they are safe. What is the problem?
[This message has been edited by M.Mouse (edited 06 June 2001).]