United GRU-ORD Divert to MIA to Offload Purser
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...anyway, where is 414A when you need some forthright opinion on Captaincy styles?
Seems to me the UAL Captain was just a tad, over the top.
In over thirty years of airline flying, I have off-loaded an entire cabin crew (except the cabin supervisor) only one time.
At RUH, the cabin supervisor told me that the CC were being totally uncooperative.
They were offloaded, pronto, and replaced by those on standby at the RUH station.
I submitted my report, the cabin supervisor submitted hers...the malcontent CC were terminated, forthwith.
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Something started between them earlier in the trip and then niggle, niggle, niggle, pause, explode
!
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An angry Captain is likely to be a distracted Captain. In the short term if removing the source of the inritation allowed him to focus on the flight and safely complete it then so be it.
Per Ardua ad Astraeus
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Originally Posted by The Bartender
The ORD-GRU-ORD trip was the Captain's first trip back to the line after extended sick leave. The Captain has been removed from the remainder of his flying schedule. The Purser who was removed, has NOT been removed from the remainder of her flying schedule.
Draw your own conclusions...
Draw your own conclusions...
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An angry Captain is likely to be a distracted Captain. In the short term if removing the source of the inritation allowed him to focus on the flight and safely complete it then so be it.
. Still no reason to divert a jet. If the Skipper was stalwartly felt the Purser to be inadequate and or noncompliant, as PIC of the entire crew, he should have given one of the F/As an infield promotion. Then he and those F/Os present during the incident prepare an in-flight incident report to be submitted to the C/P and C/FA for review and disciplinary actions.In the long run probably a better alternative than to diverting a flight for a nonemergency, and inconveniencing passengers, remainder of the crew, and having an aircraft out of sequence for further use.
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Still no reason to divert a jet. If the Skipper was stalwartly felt the Purser to be inadequate and or noncompliant, as PIC of the entire crew, he should have given one of the F/As an infield promotion. Then he and those F/Os present during the incident prepare an in-flight incident report to be submitted to the C/P and C/FA for review and disciplinary actions.
Avoids headlines and fuss.
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Difference?
I think there is a lot more to this story than what has surfaced here. I have a couple of friends at UAL and so far they say there isn't much to be said. So I take what I read here with a grain of salt.
I only ask that what is the difference if you land a jet (doesn't matter if it is a Domestic or International Flight) because of some a passenger creating a problem or a Cabin Staff doing the same? The passenger more than likely will probably go to jail.
The Captain on this Flight had to make this decision. I am sure he talked to both of his First Officer's about what his intention was. I have seen Cabin Staff shenanigan's on many of flights over the years. I have left Flight Attendants behind, I have demoted the Purser to the back of the aircraft. I will do what is necessary to have a safe trip with as little tension as possible. They work for me, I don't work for them. It isn't a popularity contest in any form or fashion. It's a benevolent dictatorship.
I do remember many years ago after our Flight Attendant strike that there was a lot of Cat Fighting going on all the time. So and so wouldn't do this and that. Tensions were always high for a long time. It was mostly between the Cabin Staff but occasionally the Cockpit Crew would get involved.
This isn't the first time this has happened, it certainly will not be the last. I know it has happened at the airline I work for and probably every other one as well. Give it some time until the facts come out.
I only ask that what is the difference if you land a jet (doesn't matter if it is a Domestic or International Flight) because of some a passenger creating a problem or a Cabin Staff doing the same? The passenger more than likely will probably go to jail.
The Captain on this Flight had to make this decision. I am sure he talked to both of his First Officer's about what his intention was. I have seen Cabin Staff shenanigan's on many of flights over the years. I have left Flight Attendants behind, I have demoted the Purser to the back of the aircraft. I will do what is necessary to have a safe trip with as little tension as possible. They work for me, I don't work for them. It isn't a popularity contest in any form or fashion. It's a benevolent dictatorship.
I do remember many years ago after our Flight Attendant strike that there was a lot of Cat Fighting going on all the time. So and so wouldn't do this and that. Tensions were always high for a long time. It was mostly between the Cabin Staff but occasionally the Cockpit Crew would get involved.
This isn't the first time this has happened, it certainly will not be the last. I know it has happened at the airline I work for and probably every other one as well. Give it some time until the facts come out.
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I only ask that what is the difference if you land a jet (doesn't matter if it is a Domestic or International Flight) because of some a passenger creating a problem or a Cabin Staff doing the same?....
The Captain on this Flight had to make this decision. I am sure he talked to both of his First Officer's about what his intention was. I have seen Cabin Staff shenanigan's on many of flights over the years. I have left Flight Attendants behind, I have demoted the Purser to the back of the aircraft. I will do what is necessary to have a safe trip with as little tension as possible. They work for me, I don't work for them.
The Captain on this Flight had to make this decision. I am sure he talked to both of his First Officer's about what his intention was. I have seen Cabin Staff shenanigan's on many of flights over the years. I have left Flight Attendants behind, I have demoted the Purser to the back of the aircraft. I will do what is necessary to have a safe trip with as little tension as possible. They work for me, I don't work for them.
1. We are talking about a diversion of a major US carrier. Cabin Staff "creating a problem" must be very serious (Revolution a la Bounty /Terrorists?)
2. "I am sure he talked to both of his First Officer's about what his intention was."
I'm sure he did, as well. I'm not sure they agreed....
3. "They work for me, I don't work for them."
What is this? You both work for a big Airliner. You both should work as a team, not as a dictator...
regards
hetfield
Captain of a major EU Airline
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Yes I am well aware Hetfield. I know the differences very well. However there seems be a difference on what we do and how we do it. The only thing I can say is that you are the Captain of your aircraft and I am the Captain of mine. I don't subscribe to the Team Concept. There can only be one Captain on the Aircraft, period.
Respectfully,
Bob
Respectfully,
Bob
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The million dollar question is:
"What behaviour of a purser would justify a diversion of an airliner"?
- sickness
- creating a "safety problem"
- .........
tell me.........................
"What behaviour of a purser would justify a diversion of an airliner"?
- sickness
- creating a "safety problem"
- .........
tell me.........................
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I don't subscribe to the Team Concept. There can only be one Captain on the Aircraft, period.
And further, the regulatory authorities also agree...just one is in charge, and that person is the designated Captain.
This does not mean, of course, that the Captain should not expect nor solicit the opinions of other crew members, however, the final decision rests with the Commander/Captain....not withstanding all the latest mumbo-jumbo CRM/team concept nonsense.
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Capt Bob,
As an FO I fully agree with you! There can only be ONE captain per flight, the buck stops with you on ALL matters, good or bad, bar one, safety! If a captain makes a bad call related to safety then the FO had got to do something, on all other matters, advice can be given by crew members but the flight is NOT run by a commitee!
That's why you earn the big bucks!!!!!
As an FO I fully agree with you! There can only be ONE captain per flight, the buck stops with you on ALL matters, good or bad, bar one, safety! If a captain makes a bad call related to safety then the FO had got to do something, on all other matters, advice can be given by crew members but the flight is NOT run by a commitee!
That's why you earn the big bucks!!!!!
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The below regulatory guidance is clear enough, regarding crewmember compliance with the Capain's instructions.
I'm wondering why he didn't have the FBI meet the aircraft. One would think that, crewmember or passenger, noncompliance with flight crewmember instructions (ESPECIALLY the Captain) is a federal offense.
hmmmm......
KC135777
FAR 121.535 Responsibility for operational control: Flag operations.
(d) Each pilot in command of an aircraft is, during flight time, in command of the aircraft and crew and is responsible for the safety of the passengers, crewmembers, cargo, and airplane.
(e) Each pilot in command has full control and authority in the operation of the aircraft, without limitation, over other crewmembers and their duties during flight time, whether or not he holds valid certificates authorizing him to perform the duties of those crewmembers.
I'm wondering why he didn't have the FBI meet the aircraft. One would think that, crewmember or passenger, noncompliance with flight crewmember instructions (ESPECIALLY the Captain) is a federal offense.
hmmmm......
KC135777
FAR 121.535 Responsibility for operational control: Flag operations.
(d) Each pilot in command of an aircraft is, during flight time, in command of the aircraft and crew and is responsible for the safety of the passengers, crewmembers, cargo, and airplane.
(e) Each pilot in command has full control and authority in the operation of the aircraft, without limitation, over other crewmembers and their duties during flight time, whether or not he holds valid certificates authorizing him to perform the duties of those crewmembers.
I Have Control
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The trouble with cabin crew is that they do not understand their place in the work hierarchy. In general, they consider themselves as equals of pilots. In human terms outside of work, yes. In professional terms, in the workplace, absolutely not. (Any more than doctors and nurses, lawyers and clerks, managers and secretaries, etc.)
The required qualifications, and level and duration of training required to achieve purser or wide-body pilot are in no way comparable. Not even close.
In this instance, the Captain was exercising his professional duties.
The required qualifications, and level and duration of training required to achieve purser or wide-body pilot are in no way comparable. Not even close.
In this instance, the Captain was exercising his professional duties.
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"The trouble with cabin crew is that they do not understand their place in the work hierarchy. In general, they consider themselves as equals of pilots. In human terms outside of work, yes. In professional terms, in the workplace, absolutely not. (Any more than doctors and nurses, lawyers and clerks, managers and secretaries, etc.)
The required qualifications, and level and duration of training required to achieve purser or wide-body pilot are in no way comparable. Not even close.
In this instance, the Captain was exercising his professional duties"
Try posting this point of view in the cabin crew section if you like to get some real discussion going...
The required qualifications, and level and duration of training required to achieve purser or wide-body pilot are in no way comparable. Not even close.
In this instance, the Captain was exercising his professional duties"
Try posting this point of view in the cabin crew section if you like to get some real discussion going...
Per Ardua ad Astraeus
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Let's get this in perspective.
UNLESS there is a risk to the safety of the aeroplane, there is no need to divert. IF you have more than the minimum crew, the obvious solution is to stand down the 'offending', instantly 'promote' as necessary to fill the gap, and then throw the book at the offending on landing IF REQUIRED. There must have been an SFA that could have taken over. This 'I am the Captain and I'm in charge' stuff is not relevant as this has been presented to us. There is no 'threat' to the perceived status of the Captain by doing this.
After the diversion, with FTL issues to consider, possible tech problems on turn-round, possible delays, passenger inconvenience, costs etc etc, where are you when you get airborne? 1 crew-member short. It sounds to me as if 2 heads needed banging together. What a waste of everybody's time and effort. I take it this was after a lay-over?
To add to the 'steak sandwich' story, many years ago, early 90's, I was listening (as a BA 'poor relation') to BA company freq in CPH to hear Rodney from Golden runways declare "WELL - I'm not leaving until we get the cheeseboard".
UNLESS there is a risk to the safety of the aeroplane, there is no need to divert. IF you have more than the minimum crew, the obvious solution is to stand down the 'offending', instantly 'promote' as necessary to fill the gap, and then throw the book at the offending on landing IF REQUIRED. There must have been an SFA that could have taken over. This 'I am the Captain and I'm in charge' stuff is not relevant as this has been presented to us. There is no 'threat' to the perceived status of the Captain by doing this.
After the diversion, with FTL issues to consider, possible tech problems on turn-round, possible delays, passenger inconvenience, costs etc etc, where are you when you get airborne? 1 crew-member short. It sounds to me as if 2 heads needed banging together. What a waste of everybody's time and effort. I take it this was after a lay-over?
To add to the 'steak sandwich' story, many years ago, early 90's, I was listening (as a BA 'poor relation') to BA company freq in CPH to hear Rodney from Golden runways declare "WELL - I'm not leaving until we get the cheeseboard".
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As a SLF I do wonder what all this fuss is coming out.
If the PIC decided to off load a purser the only reason is that he/she was a threat to the aircraft.
Any other reasons have no commercial standing.
I do no think that the issue is if the PIC has the right to offload the purser, the issue is if diverting was the right choice.
IMHO it was not, and in this case I would raise the question if the PIC was fit for duty. His/Her decision making was not up to the task.
I have seen passengers restrained on the plane, and the PIC did not divert to offload them, so if this purser was so unruly why was not restrained? I am sure that all aircrafts carry the necessary means to restrain any unruly person.
FSLF
If the PIC decided to off load a purser the only reason is that he/she was a threat to the aircraft.
Any other reasons have no commercial standing.
I do no think that the issue is if the PIC has the right to offload the purser, the issue is if diverting was the right choice.
IMHO it was not, and in this case I would raise the question if the PIC was fit for duty. His/Her decision making was not up to the task.
I have seen passengers restrained on the plane, and the PIC did not divert to offload them, so if this purser was so unruly why was not restrained? I am sure that all aircrafts carry the necessary means to restrain any unruly person.
FSLF
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OMG the holier then though opinions of some of you "professionals" is shocking and actually terrifying! The vast majority of industry experts if they were to read this would probably give up flying for ever for the fear of ending up on a flight with a power hungry pilot! 
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Captain Bob
I don't subscribe to the Team Concept. There can only be one Captain on the Aircraft, period.
I don't subscribe to the Team Concept. There can only be one Captain on the Aircraft, period.
411A
not withstanding all the latest mumbo-jumbo CRM/team concept nonsense
not withstanding all the latest mumbo-jumbo CRM/team concept nonsense
No surprise CRM is nonsense to you ….what else is new ??
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OMG the holier then though opinions of some of you "professionals" is shocking and actually terrifying! The vast majority of industry experts if they were to read this would probably give up flying for ever for the fear ....
We are, they ain't. A simple concept to understand.
No surprise CRM is nonsense to you ….what else is new ??
You are advised to stay firmly ground bound, if you don't like my arrangements.
Makes no difference to me, whatsoever, nor my present airline company.