Longlander
Quick comment regarding you view on the Captain's involvement with cabin crew. While I agree that micro management should not be encouraged, I also take the view that as Captain, you take responsibility for everything that takes place under your watch. We have to delegate and we have to place trust in those that we delegate too. The importance therefore of that initial 3 minute briefing can never be underestimated. There is an increasing number of guys who feel their job stops at the armoured flight deck door and this impression is made during the brief.
I am one of 'those' that support the crew in the process of security checks as I've seen all too often checks being rushed and completed to a substandard due to pressure from 'scared' pursers who are badgered by ground staff who themselves are put under pressure. Guess where it all starts? Stupid initiatives such as 'FIRST WAVE'! Every year is it mentioned during our recurrent training about items being left undiscovered on board for multiple sectors. If numerous crew are failing to complete checks properly, this is a systemic problem. That doesn't mean we can't take ownership of it if the threat is a known one. in fact, I would consider it negligent for NOT acting on it. Locking ourselves behind the door with the attitude of 'not my aisle pal' is hardly the behaviour of a person in full authority.
There are many ways we can achieve a safe
and efficient operation and I'm sure you've been here long enough to know which of those ideas are effective and which aren't. However, to lay responsibility at their door only and not accept some form of of involvement yourself is hardly command material.
Playing the role of Captain is easy. Being a Commander is more difficult and takes effort. I like to put the effort in as I find the benefits more rewarding.
ps You comment about British Captains having fat wives is a complete generalisation and one I find offensive. Please remove it or I will be forced to put my wife on a strict diet with immediate effect!
