I think your comments in regard to confidence in the Captain and his offsiders are very true.
During my service with the RAAF, we had many captains who one would have flown to the end of the earth with. The profesional approach exhibited by these men, allowed us to carry out the tasks in a way that reflected on us all. After all the human response to a leader who is professional, with most of us at least, is to raise our own standards, to complement his.
Our aircraft towards the end were getting a little tired and out dated but the fact that six of them are now flying with the PAF and are considered to be the very best, shows that you do not have to have the latest to be professional.
It all about a team effort, a Captain who commands well earns the respect of all, and that not seem a too bad concept to build on.
Regards
Col