When is enough, enough

[ProPilot145]

When would you say, enough is enough with a crewmember who is lacking?

I am currently flying with a Captain who seems very indifferent to flying as a whole. Doesn't make PAs, very lazy with procedures, talks on phone during taxi, falls asleep while working as PNF, and fails to notify the cabin crew properly therefore causing them to rush. I had one cabin crewmember state that she was concerned about how rushed she was. On one flight he failed to notify the cabin properly until short final, where a flight attendant told me "luckily I saw we were low over the houses and did our procedures for landing." At night, that isn't an option (particularly in some areas we were flying to). After he was gone, I tried to explain the situation, and how I was working hard to do the arrival preparations, bug speeds, get weather, call operations, and fly the airplane. I couldn't handle everything, but I'd try harder to pay attention to the cabin until we could figure something out.

My concern is that he is completely indifferent when I bring up issues that we need to take care of. I think he is more interested in discussing drinking and sex exploits on approach. I know I should try and talk with him first before going to the Chief Pilot, but I might find that is wasting time. I am new, so maybe I'm overreacting.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[EGKK]

Wow, don't envy you! But there is a Big safety issue here and that needs to be addressed, and now! Before making it offical, have you thought about speaking to any of his friends in the company who hold commands. He may listen to them, however at the end of the day there is no compromise when it comes to safety.
Good luck!

[AirRabbit]

Hey ProPilot ...

It seems to me that you've already allowed quite a bit of "leniency” for this chap. The response you have from “EGKK” is absolutely correct – IF you have accurately described the situation, it doesn’t matter about how “new” you are – you DO have a safety issue here; and I would say something yesterday if given the chance. I’d go to the Chief Pilot and be as honest with him/her as you can. I’d tell him/her of your concern about “over-reacting;” that you don’t desire to get anyone in trouble; BUT you ARE concerned for the safety of the operation. Maybe there is a reason for the “attitude” that has a medical basis of some kind. It could be that you might not only ensuring your life and the lives of the rest of the crew and passengers at any given time, you may be saving your Captain’s life – both literally and figuratively. AND, in the unlikely event the Chief Pilot doesn’t think there is anything to be concerned about, at least you’ll have an opportunity to find another job before this one kills you! Figuratively AND literally!

__________
AirRabbit

[Left Wing]

Talk about it with other FOs ! Have they seen the same from this capt. if the answer is yes, then go to the Chief Pilot NOW !

Along with at least two more FOs in case the Chief is best buddy with the weirdo Capt.
Not to scare you , but cover your end always, life has taught me so !

[flybywire]

This is the kind of captain all cabin crews dread!! There are two or three in my company and the last time I had the pleasure (not) of flying with one of these individuals I was so stressed I had to get a CRM trainer on the phone at midnight in the middle of our trip for some psychological help and advice on how to handle the situation the following day!!!!

Please, on behalf of all my colleagues, do something about it. If you're sure his behaviour is a serious safety issue (as it looks like) please do report it. Captains are entirely responsible for the safety of plane, pax and whole crew and are paid accordingly. I am sure there would be a better, more enthusiastic and responsible person to take his place.

Cheers

FBW:)

[ProPilot145]

I will post in reply that I was able to gather some information from him, concerned that it might be outside influences affecting his flying. I believe this is the case, combined with upset and distaste for this job. Luckily I was able to calm the issues between him and the cabin crew, and plan to discuss this subject with a pilot committee created to handle these types of situations before going directly to the Chief Pilot.

Thank you for your responses.

[AirRabbit]

Hey ProPilot -- it sounds as though you've got a solution to the problem -- and I commend you for the action you've taken. Just on the basis of what you've said and what you've said you've done, I'd be proud to have you as my F/O any day of the week. :ok:

AirRabbit