Captain Bob
I am going to agree with A37575, The Cockpit is not a Democracy, it is a Benevolent Dictatorship. It belongs to the Captain and he alone.
You're absolutely correct! If the Captain so wishes,he runs his cockpit that way,and he won't get in any trouble for that! You're telling us what the law has told us for a hundred years!
BUT... the GOOD Captain takes a good look at the person next to him,(Well,I'm sure he's done that when reporting for the flight) and considers the FO's experience level.
If that person is a 23 year veteran with the airline,as Mr Skiles is..and the Captain has taught CRM and Crisis management as Mr Sullenberger has....well knowing those facts, I am pretty sure that the cockpit of USAir 1549 was NOT run as a Benevolent Dictatorship!
I personally don't care who the media calls a hero. Capt. Sullenberger will I'm sure, let everybody know that this was a beautiful piece of TEAMWORK, ala UA 232.
Fantastic show, crew (all 5 of you) of USAir 1549! Congratulations!
Last edited by MadDog Driver; 17th Jan 2009 at 18:16.