Interesting hypothetical HM...
Perhaps Cabin Crew reported a smell in the cabin. Now was this odour a smell or a fume? I imagine there is a subtle difference. Did the Captain conduct an operational debrief to assertain any symptoms such as dizziness, nausea etc experienced? Did he then gather more info from Maint Watch as to any recent history? I imagine Professional Aircrew are paid to make judgement calls every day. I imagine the Capt was doing his best to get the job done Safely, Legally and judging by the comments from his Engineering Bretheren on this thread:- additionally covering his arse lest an ASIR be raised against his actions...
Last edited by CaptCloudbuster; 14th Nov 2012 at 14:40.