This is not meant to flame, but it's just on honest question. Don't you think a good captian should be passing on some of his wisdom.
Sometimes the 'wisdom' is technique that may or may not get you into trouble. Remember, you don't always upgrade to captain because of wisdom, skill or that you're a great guy. Sometimes it's because you're senior and you passed the checkride!
A lot of people are the "your leg, fly it how you want (within reason), we'll keep each other out of trouble". I've never really had much wisdom 'passed on' to me, but I've absorbed a heck of a lot by pure osmosis/exposure.
Emulate the great ones. "Systems Dump" the bad apples.
Like if your upgrading to a new A/C. It's not the capts job to explain the limits, flows or call outs, that should have been handled in shcool. But wouldn't you agree it's his job to give you the real scoop on how to fly the A/C on the line.
No, his primary job is pilot-in-command. His secondary job might be to pass on things, but if the captain's *job* was to do all of the above, what do you do when you're senior to the captain and have more experience in type than he does? What can he pass on? It's happened a couple times to me.
Or what if your flying a new route? I have had trans atlantic training, but have never flown the trip. I would expect a good capt that has flown it, to be able to at least explain the ins and outs of flying the atlantic tracks. Am I way out of line or does that sound like the capts you guys have flown with?
Well, while he's back napping, it's (I presume) between you and the other FO!
My captain that I have in 767 school is getting his first transoceanic seat. When he's sitting with two experienced FO's crossing the pond, it's pretty obvious who is the sole PIC of the jet, but he's the new guy on the airplane, new to the operation, which way does the information flow?
If he's on a jet and theoretically (not
supposed to happen of course) gets a couple of brand new, wet-behind-the-ears FO's fresh out of new hire class, who does he depend on to crosscheck?
This is professional aviation, not an FBO or flight academy. There needs to be experience in both seats, doing the job.
Experience is a two-way street. I've saved the captain's tail a few times in the simulator, and he's saved mine a few times because that's our job. Besides, if it was the captain's job to groom FO's, what happens if there's a weak FO and a apathetic PIC who simply thinks that his pay isn't commensurate with acting as PIC and being
expected to raise a newbie?
Because when the crap hits the fan he needs your help, your guidance and not a shocked, bewildered-looking neophyte that has the "Gee Skipper, what'll we do? What'll we do?" look on his face.
If a copilot can't fully command the aircraft if the pilot-in-command slumps over dead at the yoke, he shouldn't be in the right seat.
Remember, we're all adults and big boys and girls. Please don't come to an airline expecting people to hold your hand.
That's a little raw, but my honest perspective.
