Do you trust your pilots voice?
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Europe
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Do you trust your pilots voice?
Article on page 42 of the Daily Mail today from a journalist who attended a fear of flying course and after meeting the pre-flight therapist wrote:
"..it also seems I suffer from a bizarre form of snobbery, feeling safer when a nice, stiff-upper lipped English piot's voice came over the Tannoy rather than say, a Mexican accent: "Hey Meester, we 'ees cruising at a crazy altitude" - or even the slightly suburban tones of your average easyJet pilot. "
Who's voice do you trust?
"..it also seems I suffer from a bizarre form of snobbery, feeling safer when a nice, stiff-upper lipped English piot's voice came over the Tannoy rather than say, a Mexican accent: "Hey Meester, we 'ees cruising at a crazy altitude" - or even the slightly suburban tones of your average easyJet pilot. "
Who's voice do you trust?
Tsamaya sentle
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Germany
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Whose voice do you trust?
Certainly not the one of a cpt who, during a very rough approach in thunderstorm conditions at Johannesburg, started his passenger announcement with the words "Sometimes you wonder whether you´ve made the right decision..."
Well, obviously, he brought us down safely. A number of faces in the cabin went very white after that pa, though...
Well, obviously, he brought us down safely. A number of faces in the cabin went very white after that pa, though...
Controversial, moi?
I would suggest that it is similar to the thought processes that lead us to judge somebody by their appearance.
Often unfair and inaccurate but difficult to do otherwise based on our acquired prejudices!
Often unfair and inaccurate but difficult to do otherwise based on our acquired prejudices!
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Preferably on terra firma.
Posts: 742
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think I have to agree with the journalist on this one.
These guys and girls who try to inject humour into their p.a. just don't sound too professional. A certain low cost airline obviously encourage their crews to attempt humour with p.a.'s such as "In the event that you're caught smoking on the aircraft then you will be marched to the back and asked to leave". A fair percentage of passengers hate flying and for many it's a once-a-year thing so knowing that the crew is both serious about their work and acting in a professional manner installs confidence. There is a time and a place for humour but I don't think it is appropriate to be used by someone who is providing a professional service and is ultimately responsible for another's life. You would be a bit concerned if the surgeon said "Well Mr Smith it's such a lovely day outside that I think we'll do the operation in the gardens"!
Your feedback I'm sure will follow.
These guys and girls who try to inject humour into their p.a. just don't sound too professional. A certain low cost airline obviously encourage their crews to attempt humour with p.a.'s such as "In the event that you're caught smoking on the aircraft then you will be marched to the back and asked to leave". A fair percentage of passengers hate flying and for many it's a once-a-year thing so knowing that the crew is both serious about their work and acting in a professional manner installs confidence. There is a time and a place for humour but I don't think it is appropriate to be used by someone who is providing a professional service and is ultimately responsible for another's life. You would be a bit concerned if the surgeon said "Well Mr Smith it's such a lovely day outside that I think we'll do the operation in the gardens"!
Your feedback I'm sure will follow.
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Chicago
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
How many Mexican people can this Daily Mail hack (to be charitable) have met to think that they all speak like that? 
I'd rather have someone unwavering and definite in any accent.
I'd rather have someone unwavering and definite in any accent.
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Northern Hemisphere
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
PAs
I think humour is misplaced in a PA, as it gives the impression of a casual attitude.
When passengers, some of whom don't even understand how a plane flies are exposed to such announcements they naturally react defensively. We must give the PA based on the audience average level of knowledge and not ours!
However they probably would appreciate a measured tone and correct language. This (I am told) does serve to increase confidence in the crew.
When passengers, some of whom don't even understand how a plane flies are exposed to such announcements they naturally react defensively. We must give the PA based on the audience average level of knowledge and not ours!
However they probably would appreciate a measured tone and correct language. This (I am told) does serve to increase confidence in the crew.
Dancing with the devil, going with the flow... it's all a game to me.
Join Date: May 2000
Location: England
Posts: 1,688
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My take on it is this:
When pilots and cabin crew sound as serious as cancer the whole time the nervy types think there's a very good reason for this seriousness and that something might possibly be afoot thus exacerbating their anxiety.
VFE.
When pilots and cabin crew sound as serious as cancer the whole time the nervy types think there's a very good reason for this seriousness and that something might possibly be afoot thus exacerbating their anxiety.
VFE.
Supercalifragilistic
expialidocious
expialidocious
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Essex, UK
Posts: 588
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
All i can add is that my better half, a nervous flyer, is always extremely greatful to hear a calm measured voice from the cockpit telling passengers things like, "this turbulance is normal, we only expect it to last a few minutes".
However she does tend to take the few minutes bit literally and gripes if the turbulence returns!
Overall I think tone is probably more important than accent.
However she does tend to take the few minutes bit literally and gripes if the turbulence returns!
Overall I think tone is probably more important than accent.
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Preferably on terra firma.
Posts: 742
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Post Script
Just to add that it's well known that companies use people with Scottish accents to advertise products on radio and television. Apparently this and other "northern" accents are considered to be more honest and trustworthy!
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: 30 West
Age: 65
Posts: 926
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, we here in god's own county - Yarksheer, are proud of our regional accent. I welcome the folks on board from the front of the cabin where they can see me when flying shorthaul, over the p.a. on longhaul, 'cos the steerage passengers can't see me!
I welcome them, introduce the crew, tell them honestly if we are late and why and do you know what - I get loads of people commenting very positively when they leave and some even shake me by the hand
I welcome them, introduce the crew, tell them honestly if we are late and why and do you know what - I get loads of people commenting very positively when they leave and some even shake me by the hand
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: North Oxfordshire, UK.
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Reminds me of the legendary RAF flight taking troops back to the UK from Bosnia for a spot of R+R. The captain was given an interview without coffee by his CO after a female passenger (a Major) took umbrance to his announcement:
"For all our female passengers, we are now entering UK airspace and you are officially ugly again."
Many a true word spoken in jest!
"For all our female passengers, we are now entering UK airspace and you are officially ugly again."
Many a true word spoken in jest!
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: End of 27L
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Heard a CSD give what was supposed to be a lighthearted fond fairwell to her passengers one morning along the lines of...
"...Welcome to XYZ. I'd like to thank Capt ABC for getting us here without encountering any severe turbulence, getting lost, or flying into any tall buildings!..."
Now as unprofessional as this surely sounded, I thought nothing of it until I was reminded of those words just a few days later whilst watching the unbelievable images unfolding in NYC. It occured to me at the time what a strange thing to have said but almost ironic that it should have been on Sep 8th 2001.
"...Welcome to XYZ. I'd like to thank Capt ABC for getting us here without encountering any severe turbulence, getting lost, or flying into any tall buildings!..."
Now as unprofessional as this surely sounded, I thought nothing of it until I was reminded of those words just a few days later whilst watching the unbelievable images unfolding in NYC. It occured to me at the time what a strange thing to have said but almost ironic that it should have been on Sep 8th 2001.
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: The Front Padock
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OK, so you have brought your ticket, gotten to the airport risking life and limb in car traffic, (maybe even a taxi) work your way throught the airport, board the airplane, take off, establish cruise, and THEN you are unsure about the confidence of the Captain / FO - bit late now!!
I would be more worried about the car traffic on the way.
I would be more worried about the car traffic on the way.
As for basic concern and anxiety in the cabin, many passengers would rather hang on to their ignorance and totally wrong conclusions about aviation. It is very rare that anyone, except for children, or a military pilot, shows any interest in stopping by the cockpit when the flight is over, and this includes the many on-time arrivals.
After riding behind two ladies in a regional jet recently and hearing their ignorant comments about "small planes", I told them that the pilots would be glad to clear up any misunderstandings, which are very common among the flying public. One woman said, "Oh that's ok, we just want to get there". There we go...
All we can do is make normal pa's and not be concerned about the crazy, nonsensical notions that remain in many peoples' heads for their entire lives-and very often, by choice.
Correct, both pilots and rushed passengers don't have time to clear up all basic misunderstandings, but rarely do passengers ask us for the opportunity to clear up even one of them, whether in the cockpit or walking through the airport. I guess it is sort of like the fear of walking in the rain-they would rather hang on to old superstitions from the dark ages about raindrops, than ask a nurse or doctor (oh, it's from a virus, ok....but don't all raindrops have a virus?). Maybe they can't handle realizing how wrong they are. But they take showers and baths, do they not?
After riding behind two ladies in a regional jet recently and hearing their ignorant comments about "small planes", I told them that the pilots would be glad to clear up any misunderstandings, which are very common among the flying public. One woman said, "Oh that's ok, we just want to get there". There we go...
All we can do is make normal pa's and not be concerned about the crazy, nonsensical notions that remain in many peoples' heads for their entire lives-and very often, by choice.
Correct, both pilots and rushed passengers don't have time to clear up all basic misunderstandings, but rarely do passengers ask us for the opportunity to clear up even one of them, whether in the cockpit or walking through the airport. I guess it is sort of like the fear of walking in the rain-they would rather hang on to old superstitions from the dark ages about raindrops, than ask a nurse or doctor (oh, it's from a virus, ok....but don't all raindrops have a virus?). Maybe they can't handle realizing how wrong they are. But they take showers and baths, do they not?
Many years ago now, I was on one of the carriers in the far east - can't remember which - flying into Hong Kong. A calm Australian accent informed us that the weather wasn't too good at Hong Kong at the moment, and we would wait for half an hour for it to clear because, as he said ' I want to be there in one piece even if I am late, and I'm sure you do, too'. One of the most reassuring announcements I've heard.
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: UK
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The deliverance of a succinct, practical, comforting, confidence-inspiring PA, from cockpit or cabin crew, is a skill which few people acquire. Any accent is fine by me.
No PAs apart from safety briefings and straightforward schedule disruptions should be made. Airline crews should pay a talk tax. The first half-hour of a long-haul flight seems to be taken up with junk announcements.
No PAs apart from safety briefings and straightforward schedule disruptions should be made. Airline crews should pay a talk tax. The first half-hour of a long-haul flight seems to be taken up with junk announcements.