Kanga767,
Interesting point, and something I had not thought of previously, about Pilot's wages.
Are the Pilots at Virgin Blue getting any increase in salary or benefits for being the only people doing preflights?
IF they are going to do this, they SHOULD get something for the extra responsibility involved?
As for safety, my Wife and I had to go out for a while this morning, and prior to leaving the house we BOTH went around to make sure all the doors were locked, and the iron and toaster were turned off, also no taps left running etc.
Now obviously just one of us could have done it, and it would have meant a quicker departure, but we thought it was safer for both of us to check everything before departure.
Best regards,
airsupport.