Great Captain
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SLF?
Anyone who calls passengers Self Loading Freight (and yes I know it started years ago in Roger Bacon) displays a disarming lack of what the profession is about. This is a people business, whether you like it or not.
In my experience, the big difference between the left and the right seat was not to do with flying - if you can't fly you will be out of either of them pretty fast - it had to do with management.Corporate identity has nothing to do with hand and eye coordination, which can be learned on any computer these days.
People calling themselves "...sick" and using the censored tab a lot are not really in the business. The Captain is running a little branch of the company as long as it is entrusted to him. That is what the company wants from its commanders and that is why they make such a big thing of upgrading. This means he should get on with and get to know his crew, the ground reps and do his best for the passengers.
The style each Captain uses is his personal choice - I have known some great ones and some less great ones. The great ones weren't neccessarily the showman type - just sincere and thoughtful. It means putting a bit more into it than just flying: if you don't like the heat, stay out of the left seat.
For those who don't "cringe" at the thought of being helpful, it is one of the satisfactions of the job and if you do it right, involves the whole crew.
FC.
In my experience, the big difference between the left and the right seat was not to do with flying - if you can't fly you will be out of either of them pretty fast - it had to do with management.Corporate identity has nothing to do with hand and eye coordination, which can be learned on any computer these days.
People calling themselves "...sick" and using the censored tab a lot are not really in the business. The Captain is running a little branch of the company as long as it is entrusted to him. That is what the company wants from its commanders and that is why they make such a big thing of upgrading. This means he should get on with and get to know his crew, the ground reps and do his best for the passengers.
The style each Captain uses is his personal choice - I have known some great ones and some less great ones. The great ones weren't neccessarily the showman type - just sincere and thoughtful. It means putting a bit more into it than just flying: if you don't like the heat, stay out of the left seat.
For those who don't "cringe" at the thought of being helpful, it is one of the satisfactions of the job and if you do it right, involves the whole crew.
FC.
Join Date: Jan 2005
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FC,
Well-reasoned post, and I agree.
But...
I think you're over-reacting....
It's part of the lingo now, here on the forum and elsewhere. I don't mind being called SLF, when I'm part of cattle class.
We can always get our own back about "the button-pushers at the pointy end being fast asleep when a landing goes "boing.... uh .... BOING ..... uh .... SCREECH".
Well-reasoned post, and I agree.
But...
Anyone who calls passengers Self Loading Freight (and yes I know it started years ago in Roger Bacon)....
It's part of the lingo now, here on the forum and elsewhere. I don't mind being called SLF, when I'm part of cattle class.
We can always get our own back about "the button-pushers at the pointy end being fast asleep when a landing goes "boing.... uh .... BOING ..... uh .... SCREECH".
ex-Tanker
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What's in a name?
Hi ChristiaanJ,
I know you don't mind - any more than I mind being called Driver / Airframe!
What is it in French anyway? Les Embarquemats?
I guess though, that it is symptomatic of a general diminishing respect that people have for each other these days. Referring to passengers as passengers or customers as some airlines do, reinforces that respect and leads to better service ultimately.
FC.
I know you don't mind - any more than I mind being called Driver / Airframe!
What is it in French anyway? Les Embarquemats?
I guess though, that it is symptomatic of a general diminishing respect that people have for each other these days. Referring to passengers as passengers or customers as some airlines do, reinforces that respect and leads to better service ultimately.
FC.
Join Date: Feb 2004
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I'm pleased I've retired from the airline business after reading part of this crap... sorry "thread".
In the 70's we took a Captain with each of us lowly Sales Reps on sales calls... and Travel Agents appreciated it. Some TAs asked if the Captain would speak to some of their commercial accounts. All the Captains enjoyed the experience... mind you, all the Captains enjoyed their jobs - which doesn't appear to be the case nowadays. I should say that the Captain was paid for his time.
Let's face it - those passengers help pay your wages and they feel good when the Captain speaks to them on his walk through the aircraft!
In the 70's we took a Captain with each of us lowly Sales Reps on sales calls... and Travel Agents appreciated it. Some TAs asked if the Captain would speak to some of their commercial accounts. All the Captains enjoyed the experience... mind you, all the Captains enjoyed their jobs - which doesn't appear to be the case nowadays. I should say that the Captain was paid for his time.
Let's face it - those passengers help pay your wages and they feel good when the Captain speaks to them on his walk through the aircraft!
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I recently had a flight with a Captain Davis on the BA 777 fleet. It was my second time flying with him. Why do I remember that? Because I thought he was a really good captain, gave the passengers a lot of information , saw him out and about and generally seemed enthusiastic.
I can't name any other Captains that I have flown with, but when I heard his name again it made me smile. To me, he was a great Captain.
I can't name any other Captains that I have flown with, but when I heard his name again it made me smile. To me, he was a great Captain.
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Provided the captain does not make a fool of himself (ie in the youtube clip posted earlier, or this one too http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl5A2j1mGXc), then why not? One of the consequences of quick turnarounds seems to be that the flight crew no longer make an appearance. No need to hide behind the controls! Passengers are really interested to see who you are, and it can be frustrating when pilots are heard but never seen. I'm in favour.
Last edited by Chris777; 24th Jul 2007 at 20:35.
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As a captain, I have always believed that you should make a physical appearance when in command. This is because the passengers onboard are placing their lives in my hands, and that they should be able to trust in my decision making!!!
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airbus-commander
Dude How long have you been a commander???
I hope you will never make it to My PCE otherwise we will be doing catwalks infront of the passengers!
I Strongly disagreee with you! Our job in inside Alcatraz! We stay in there as much as we can when there are passegers onboard
Dude How long have you been a commander???
I hope you will never make it to My PCE otherwise we will be doing catwalks infront of the passengers!
I Strongly disagreee with you! Our job in inside Alcatraz! We stay in there as much as we can when there are passegers onboard
Last edited by El Rey Leon; 24th Jul 2007 at 22:36.
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I have been a commander for quite a few years 10+.
Secondly i disgaree with your statement about the flight deck being alcatraz. I try to get as many passengers enthusiastic about flying but at the same time confident in my abilities!
Are you a commander or a commanders bitch?
Secondly i disgaree with your statement about the flight deck being alcatraz. I try to get as many passengers enthusiastic about flying but at the same time confident in my abilities!
Are you a commander or a commanders bitch?
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great captain
everyone is moaning that a captain should not be stood in the front cabin doing a pa. you captains should take a moment and listen to the quality (or lack of) of the pa´s that are done from the flight deck. often they can not be heard or understood which makes them doing them pointless. dont you ever test the volume before a flight?
obviously not.
obviously not.
Bex
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I just don't understand
I've followed this thread from the start and have made my posts. I'm therefore somewhat perplexed and startled by the continued amount of 'girly' and 'school playground' b1tching that continues.
SURELY the point made was from a passengers perspective, as well as CC. Speaking, once again, as a passenger (therefore a customer), I appreciate the courtesy of the Captains talk, all be it on a short trip made every week. I even remember the name of a Captain in particular, who's delivery was cheerful, clear to hear and understand, with the air of comfortable authority ... all things us paying passengers would like to hear.
The rest of the 'in industry' arguing and b1tching doesn't paint you in the most favourable of lights.
Just my opinion of course.
SURELY the point made was from a passengers perspective, as well as CC. Speaking, once again, as a passenger (therefore a customer), I appreciate the courtesy of the Captains talk, all be it on a short trip made every week. I even remember the name of a Captain in particular, who's delivery was cheerful, clear to hear and understand, with the air of comfortable authority ... all things us paying passengers would like to hear.
The rest of the 'in industry' arguing and b1tching doesn't paint you in the most favourable of lights.
Just my opinion of course.
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In the states, many SWA crews do a good job at entertaining the passengers, don't really feel that they are less professional whatsoever, I don't operate in this type of culture but have nothing against it.
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SLF point of view...
Flying EIDW to EGLL in March this year on Aer Lingus. We were on the tarmac at Dublin waiting to close the doors and suddenly all the power went off, que a few nervous people saying god whats going on, captain came straight on and told us power would be back momentarily and it was. Apparantly someone disconnected the ground power. Then we were delayed 30 minutes waiting for a tech to come on board and clear some warning off the system. Again captain came on and explained. Finally he announced we'd missed our slot so we'd be taking on fuel to save time the other end. Again no problem, we were kept up to date and eventually took off.
Nearing london then because of high winds and heavy traffic he announced we had to hold for at least 20 mins and spoke for a good while about how taking on fuel saved us from having to divert. He spoke again during the approach and after what felt like a tricky crosswind final, perfectly touched down. After shutdown, cockpit door pops open and he stood there apologising and speaking to everyone. As the last person got off, he came up the airbridge to speak to the passangers waiting to load. All in all a great Aer Lingus captain andby keeping everyone informed im sure avoided a lot of agro.
Flying EIDW to EGLL in March this year on Aer Lingus. We were on the tarmac at Dublin waiting to close the doors and suddenly all the power went off, que a few nervous people saying god whats going on, captain came straight on and told us power would be back momentarily and it was. Apparantly someone disconnected the ground power. Then we were delayed 30 minutes waiting for a tech to come on board and clear some warning off the system. Again captain came on and explained. Finally he announced we'd missed our slot so we'd be taking on fuel to save time the other end. Again no problem, we were kept up to date and eventually took off.
Nearing london then because of high winds and heavy traffic he announced we had to hold for at least 20 mins and spoke for a good while about how taking on fuel saved us from having to divert. He spoke again during the approach and after what felt like a tricky crosswind final, perfectly touched down. After shutdown, cockpit door pops open and he stood there apologising and speaking to everyone. As the last person got off, he came up the airbridge to speak to the passangers waiting to load. All in all a great Aer Lingus captain andby keeping everyone informed im sure avoided a lot of agro.
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But oh my goodness, the guitar playing skipper. Ouch.
Imagine that on a RyanAir flight, with the skipper playing "God Save The Queen" (or near equivalent).
He'd probably be brained with his own guitar.
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When I flew to lapland with first choice at christmas (from Manchester) the pilot and co pilot were fab, they really seemed to take an interest in their passengers and they explained the different things that were happening to the aircraft and reassured passengers about the unexpected things etc...
then at the end of the flight they came out and spoke to us all and made a real effort to answer any questions anyone had and were just really really nice guys.
Well done them
then at the end of the flight they came out and spoke to us all and made a real effort to answer any questions anyone had and were just really really nice guys.
Well done them