CRM questions for active 121 pilots

[Captain Overs]

Be careful on using the "sick call" scenario. some interviewers don't want to see that you'd take a way out that will end up costing the company money. He's not sick, he may be drunk. Don't fly though, but go through the proper channels to get a resolution.

 

[Filkster]

Just ask the Captain if the FA is his ex wife... If she is not than maybe he will get the message. There is nothing wrong with clear communications between CA and FO. This bull*hit of being afraid to speak up only hurts safety. If the Captain is so set in his ways (and we all know a few) that he ignores your concerns then at least let him know that you have some.

RF

Or the Captain is treating the fa bad?

 

[rumorhasit]

Sorry for lag in response...I have been working on the ATP written. As of right now I have an interview with Comair. I am hoping it goes well so I at least get on the last ship out of flight inst. to the next level.

 

[Mr Wu]

The safe answer is force the guy to call in sick (he will, if he doesn't, call the CP and the airport police) and call whatever pilot substance intervention program you have.

This will get you a quick trip out of the building. Never indicate in an interview that you are willing to make the airline the lead story on the 6 o'clock news. The answer you want is that you would discuss it with the captain to see if in fact he is drunk/has been drinking. Then call the CP and let him handle it. If he insists on going, the airplane will not move with your feet planted firmly on the brakes.

Of course, you could launch a pre-emptive strike in the interview.

"TMAAT you had to make a difficult decision."

"This one time, the captain smelled of alcohol..."

 

[pilotyip]

I'll drink to that

If accused by a pax that they think you have been drinking, report it immediately to your CP. Then remove yourself from the flight and get tested to confirm there is no truth to the pax's statement. The pax statement may be a mistake, mixing you up with someone else. Or it could be part of plan to blackmail the company when you take the flight and they threaten to go public with the fact you have been drinking and there is no proof that you have not been drinking. I believe there is case history to support this and pilot drinking is very hi profile and can affect an airline’s bottom line. The drunken CA responses are dead on. I might add this after the you or the CA has called in sick, you tell the CA, I am not going to report this if you personally tell the CP that you have problem, you need to be taken off line and want to go into rehab. If still see you on line, I will report it to the CP.

 

[Goose Egg]

I wouldn't worry about the Comair interview... I mean, make sure you study up, but don't freak yourself out. I was in your same position about this time last year. I interviewed with Comair (my first airline interview) and was offered a job, but decided to decline. Out of the three interviews I participated in, Comair was by far the easiest.

...And come to think of it, I STILL haven't taken my ATP written! (The airline that I finally accepted a job with doesn't require it until upgrade.)

If you asked me, the CA and the FA not getting along is FAR more likely to happen in real life than the alchohol thing. Beyond that, the advice you've gotten on the subject so far is good. Best of luck!

-Goose

 

[Goose Egg]

What do you do if you are cleared for takeoff, and the captain does not have his shoulder harness on?


Take yours off, it's going to be a good trip.

That's awesome!! Made me laugh!!