Tr,
As you know, I do have a problem with the expectations of the TFOs regarding their involvement in aviation matters. You describe them as 'qualified police observers'. I know exactly what you mean. They have qualified in their role as observers.
But they have absolutely no aviation qualification whatsoever. Yes they may (or may not) have absorbed technical information, and may even have the knowledge to ask sensible questions. But they are absolutely not qualified aviators! The system is absolutely designed to give specific individuals 'partitioned' responsibilities!
How much of a qualified aviator was/is an Army Aircrewman, an RAF Navigator or RN Aircrewman? Come to think of it, what about an airgunner/doorgunner winch-person or dope on a rope?
By the way, amongst the police observers out there, we have a mixture of PPL(A ) & (H), RAF VGS instructors, ex Army Aircrewmen etc. To top this part of the post off, at our unit we even have an ATPL(A) qualified on 737's.
As for your comment about how much responsibility the TFO's had in this tragedy, as in every part of aviation, the ultimate responsibility is the Captains regardless of anyone else's qualifications. To go back to another of your posts, how much responsibility would your qualified CRM'd aviation aware air steward have if an Airbus went down
