When Communication Goes Bad

I stumbled across this story while browsing, about 3 US Airways flight attendants being sued by their First Officer for defamation. The reason? He feels that by reporting him for being reluctant to de-ice the plane that the FAs have defamed his professional character.

I feel that there is more to this story than is being reported. However, a couple of points can be taken from the story.

* No matter if the FAs were correct or not in asking for de-icing, they WERE DEFINITELY CORRECT in reporting their concerns to the flight crew

* Any pilot worth his/her salt will investigate a concern raised by any member of the crew

* In my opinion, the FO possibly didn't explain WHY he felt that de-icing was not necessary- I feel this is why the FAs were so insistent that something be done. (Also the FAs would have been well aware that the Canadian regs state that NO frost or ice may be present for takeoff- hence their insistence on repeating their concerns to the flight crew.)

* If the FO had not sued the flight attendants, no one would know about it! The FAA had ruled inconclusive on the case, therefore why should he think there would be any damage to his reputation? No accusations of wrongdoing were made by the FAA.

* I am very lucky in that in my years of flying I have NEVER been turned away with ANY concern by ANY member of a cockpit crew. I hope I never will, either.

As with anything reported in the media, take it with a grain of salt, as I'm sure there is more to it, but the reminder is the same. If FAs feel concern for the safety of the flight, SPEAK UP!!! And Flight Crew- if you feel the concern is invalid, don't just say, 'Oh it will be fine' - tell the FAs WHY it will be 'fine'.

Then maybe we can avoid this type of situation altogether.

Slow Week So Far... and Planning #6

Well I am temporarily grounded (no nothing bad) and making the most of the time on the ground. Unfortunately, this first part of the month has been decidedly unglamorous, and I've been getting things done such as:

* Cleaning out under the bed
* Sorting wardrobe
* Filing papers
* Trying to find warranty papers
* Chasing up said warranty people now laptop is having problems
* Endless phone tag with computer people
* Washing, mending & ironing uniform bits & bobs
* Cleaning house & car

But, the rest of the month is looking very fun, lots of parties, people's birthdays and outings on. Will also catch a concert at some point as well.

This week, the best thing is, I will be in Perth at the same time as my fellow blogger (and FA) the lovely Mel, mistress of TampaxTowers!!! Woot!! Hoping to meet up for coffee & chat, and if the plans work out (I'm sure they will Mel!) this will make her the #6 Blogger on the TT list of bloggers I've met in Real Life. (#6, but by no means unimportant- she's a girl from my own town!!!)

So, once I have got all the boring stuff out of the way, the fun stuff begins with another meetup. YAY!!

Note to my JS Friends

To all my former JS friends & faves...!

I'm starting a limited-access blog, it requires me to use one's email address to allow access. So throw me an email if I don't have yours and I will add you back. Thanks!

Roundup of Interesting News...

I'm being a very lazy blogger lately, I know. I just can't seem to find the energy or motivation to actually think about what I've been up to and write about it. I suppose it's becasue a lot of the stuff that has been going on I can't actually write about (as there is no Friends & Favourites feature here). I'm thinking about starting a blog made only to certain people, if it can be done here, to post pictures and so forth.

Anyway here's a few interesting news stories if you're looking for something to read.

US Airways 1549 Inspires Video Game
Yes, now you too can let out your inner Cpt Sully and try your hand at landing on the Hudson. (I don't know whether to be amused or appalled!)

Spirit Air Crews' Anger Over Boobs & Booze...
FAs and pilots don't see eye to eye with advertising execs that the airline's new ad strategy is a good one... hmmm I wonder why???

One for Heather- Skanky Hotel Rooms Upset Aussie Travellers
It appears it isn't only the two-star hovels that fail to live up to standards these days- there have been an increasing number of complaints about room cleanliness in Australian hotels.

How Much Can a Koala Bear?

(Ok, so I know they're not bears, they're marsupials, but anyway)

Most of Australia is suffering a heat wave at the moment, most especially Melbourne & Sydney. This article was on the main login page to my email account. When the animals start taking swims to cool down, you kow it's hot!!!


You can read the article here.

I have some posts planned, but don't feel much like writing at the moment.