Now that is something we do agree on
But let's face it Boeing got scr3w3d over by South West when they designing the NG and created the most outdated cockpit with the most outdated features to allow SW a common type rating. Even the 757 is more advanced imho...
Not really SW's fault, because as far as I know SW does not fly 744s, but those also have the same cheap @ss stupid rocker switches. Some 744s don't even have a PTT button on the glare shield, so you either have to reach down to the radio panel, and thus effectively not being able to use that arm for anything else and taking your eyes off the PFD and ND, or you have to use the PTT switch on the yoke with the possibility of interfering in the controls of the PF and/or forgetting to flick the switch back to intercom therefore risk confusion of not being audible on the intercom.
Especially on a mixed fleet it's a big problem even when things are running smoothly, with pilots constantly forgetting to flick the rocker switch back to intercom, or using the chrono button (same colour, same design as the PTT, roughly same location on the glare shield) when 'transmitting.'
And all that so that they can save a few $ for a PTT button and a little wire weighing maybe 100-200 grams...on an airplane that costs >$150 million and has a MTOW of close to 400 metric tons.
And the authorities approve this...
