Sorry MP that this is how you feel but you must have flown with a couple of idiots,however I feel you're ganeralising here.
I am a CSD with BA and have always fully understood the chain of command,even if it's the F/O's first day,its still the CAPTAIN then the F/O .
I am not above my station and feel that mine is a somewhat grand title for 'head of teapots!!'
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When it goes well in the cabin we may get a pat on the back for our efforts and when it goes wrong in the cabin I'm always prepared to take the flak,thats what I'm there for.
If we land 20 minutes early when pax leave the A/C some will give you a thank you but next time you're 20 minutes late that same person may have a little dig as they leave.
We are all a team and some people from BOTH sides are not so good with CRM but it is a little unfair that many postings on this subject make the 'in charge' out to be 'glory hunters'or 'power crazy'. Again the fact is its a few giving the majority a bad name.
Next time you have a problem with CSD or Purser Hitler, can a suggest a little bit of 'old fashioned' CRM...get them on their own
and in no uncertain terms put them right.
As for the idiot not reporting the BCF's used on a fire it should have been goodbye.
To all my 'in charge' colleagues please go with the chain of command as it's there for all our sakes and if you don't like it, then with a lot of hard work and long intensive training you may climb the ladder.....not me I'll stick to my teapots,I'm happy there
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Finally the CSD's conversation to the Purser may have been misunderstood and saying the buck stops with them for certain cabin service problems.Personally I have had great back up on a couple of occasions from my Flight Crew colleagues with difficult passenger situations and was grateful for it.
CRM is a two way thing and so is respect on an aircraft,so lets not lose sight of that.Please don't tar us all with the same brush,
I don't with Flight Crew on the strength of one bad one.
Off now to polish me pots for me punters.
NJR.