Ok I hope this is in the right place - it was either here or in the CRM forum, so if this gets moved I understand.
I don't know what the rules are at other companies but at BA one of our FCO's since 11/9 is cabin crew must check up on pilots every 20 mins via the interphone (hope I'm not upseting everyone there by revealing an FCO - but I don't think this one is particularly a nation secret).
Now this isn't always possible for one reason or another, as some CC are better at remembering or are more bothered than others. Sometimes the out of sight - out of mind situation can occur. OR we can be BUSY serving pax that pay all our wages on a flight that is full to the rafters.
The situation I am going to recount to all now is this - B737-400, ATH / LGW, 3hrs 30mins flight time, 5 crew, 42 in club(most of who are returning from a 6* package tour/cruise that included all the bells and whistles), full in traveller, one rather excentric (sure that's spelt wrong) purser(not myself) not used to doing this route on a regular basis, and a very experianced crew memeber also working in club with the purser.
Having done one of these flights carrying these particular pax I can tell you - THEY ARE DEMANDING - and rightly so... they have paid a lot of money for their holiday, they started by going out to Cairo on B777, then cruised round the med, eventually ending up on our diddy A/C on the way home - everything taken care of - lot of lords/sirs/company directors etc etc. When they get on the look on their faces says it all and the words "Is it club!!?" start hitting you.
With a load of 42, if you are not used to this service, and with this particular purser doing it HER way despite the suggestions of her no 4 (other club crew member) the service went very slowly - looking like it wasn't going to be completed on landing, much to the upset of the PAX - and they let the crew know it!!!!
Now the situation has been set for you all you may be able to see that the crew may have been busy/distracted/etc. But I agree no excuse not to call the flight deck to check if the pilots are ok from time to time. BUT every 20 mins IS NOT POSSIBLE! I know since this one came out we DO have to make more of an effort but every 20 mins is stupid and it does not happen. On this particular flight if the letter of the law is followed it would result in 10 - 11 calls to the flight deck not including "other" inclidental calls. Last time I did this particular flight I think I called the flight deck 4 times because we were just flat out. Pilots were fine totally understood - not a problem, we were busy as long as they got fed.
However on this particular day the captain in question was not happy with lack of attention. So much so that when drinks were finally handed in by the no.4 and after the F.O. wispering "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry" to bemused no.4 at the door, the captain shouted from the FD to the galley "do you know what's written in FCO blah blah. I could have been dead! I could report you!". The no.4 totally taken aback by this and said that she was very dissapointed at the captains lack of understanding (or words to that effect) and that if he wanted to report her he could.
With getting abuse from both sides of the galley the girl was and still is very upset about the whole thing.
THE POINT IS.
Rules are there to be followed, but sometimes we have to flexible. If I rang the FD every 20 mins I'd be universally hated for interupting all the time. We do ring when we can - but in exceptional circumstances we are sidetracked or disracted by the people paying our wages because they are unhappy or expecting a service and we want them coming back for more.
I appeal for a bit of understanding, humility, and flexibility. If we haven't called for a bit - DO CALL US - we don't mind, you are as much part of our jobs as the PAX are. But ramming this FCO down our throats and threatening to report us is not the way to go about things.
Do other airlines have this rule - is it followed strictly?
What do other B.A. pilots think of this FCO? DO you want to be called EVERY 20 mins?
If so....GREAT! We are testing new products at the moment and reducing crew levels. These tests are timed and a monitor is present on board. When we do a go-around (which is now happening already without calling every 20 mins) it will all be noted down.
I'm not bloody minded. I want the company to succeed and I will do my level best to ensure that. I do what I can to get things done so we can all get home in time for Eastenders and not cost the company any more money. Surely more go-arounds is not going to benefit anyone?
FINALLY
You may like to hear the captains side of this story, I know I would. Well....I know he's out there and does frequent this site form time to time. So please tell us....correct me if I'm wrong on any of this. Facts can be distorted, exagerated, mis-told and I'm sure we'd all like to hear it. Not to have a go or riddicule you but just to hear your reasons for acting the way you did.
I'm not anti-pilot- in fact...far from it!!!, I just want to increase understanding between the two communities so we can all work together for a better happier work environment and a more profitable enjoyable airline.
PHEW!!!!! Well that's more than enough typing for me people.
Thanks to all who read this and keep smiling!!!!
