Christep I don't think anyone in this industry would consider the pax "dead wood".
And their help in emergency situations as ABP's is appreciated in certain circumstances.
However, there is also the threat of a person not being properly trained misjudging the situation and causing an even greater problem.
No one is saying that the pax wouldn't be able to find their way out, or haul open an exit, or swim to safety them selves.
But unless they have had full competency training on that particular aircraft how could they possibly understand all the variables of an incident and the best way to approach an evacuation.
Speaking from experience Christep I have been involved in an emergency situation and I can tell you the hardest thing about it was stopping the pax from trying to take over the situation and opening exits that the crew deemed unsafe. ie twisted metal puncturing escape slides. It is not fun trying to stop 6" business men who are keen to get out your designated exit.
Information can be a dangerous thing in the wrong hands, thats why we leave things we don't kow enough about to the professionals. I would no sooner attempt to be a police officer for a day than pretend I could do whatever it is that you do aside from travelling as a pax.
I , like yourself, am not meaning to offend you but you should understand that many crew are sick and tired of not only having to justify their job roles, but also having to explain again and again our prime responsibilty as safety professionals.
We are trained, and trained well, to follow the procedures at all times. We do not defer from these procedures unless the company sees fit to initiate this. You should trust the fact these people are chosen for their abilities to get your arse off that aircraft not just fluff your pillow and serve you cocktails!
You are right about one thing. And that is that many decisions in this industry are based on the money factor. The companies that you chose to fly with are running a business and of course will attempt to make the highest margin of profit possible. But if you think it is at the expense of your safety then it is your choice at the end of the day whether to fly with them or not.
And as for your original questions regarding smokehoods and rear facing seats, well in time you may have them but not until the studies are done and the bean crunchers have counted. Personally I would need a lot of convincing that they would not be detrimental to an evacuation in terms of time taken to fit, or risk of hazard and impediment to the evacuation itself.
Lastly ( now I can get off my soapbox ) please don't mistake our pride and love for the job as being overly emotional. Don't take lightly that we do indeed put our lives at risk on a daily basis for our jobs. Everyday we take on this responsibility willingly.
Perhaps it is not what you are saying but the way you are saying it that is causing you to be misunderstood.
