If the controller asked them if they could accept FL410 then it is my guess that FL370 may have been available short term but due conflicting traffic crossing or slower traffic ahead would have become unavailable. Rather than hand over a potential conflicting situation to the next sector, by getting the following a/c up to FL410 immediately it made for a smooth transfer?
Tony, I worked in SE Asia for over ten years and am aware of the culture within, if you are going to file reports be sure and have a full debrief with the Capt. concerned first, that way you will avoid writing most reports! Your report will land on the desks of pilots who have themselves transgressed at some time, sad but true, if it is considered minor they will support the Captain against a relatively inexperienced F/O, also sad but true.
Suggest you put this one behind you, the Capt. could have handled it a lot differently, but do speak up in future, you have to. Be sure to talk any problems of this nature out to exhaustion before you get your pen and paper out. Just my thoughts, best of luck. <img src="smile.gif" border="0">
[ 20 January 2002: Message edited by: G.Khan ]</p>