Two Crew Headaches

Propilot

Propilot

Well-Known Member
So, Ive had my new job for a little over a month now and for the most part I like it. I'm having trouble with the two crew part of this new job.

All of my time up to this point is single pilot. Now I'm a captain of a BE350 that we fly two crew. I do have a single pilot type, but we dont fly it that way.

The FO is a 600 hour pilot that started flying right seat in a premier at 250 hours. He is about 35 years old and I am 24.

As far as I know, the only IMC time he has is in a fancy jet with autopilot and FMS. From flying with him the last few weeks, I found that his knowledge base is typical of someone with his experience. He doesnt understand the details of part 135 or our ops specs.




Here are the problems that I am having...

1) There is a lack of respect for who is in charge.

For example, he will unilaterally (without consutling with me) ask contollers for a lower atltitude.
Also, when I told him to switch the autofeather off during cruise (we were at 9,000 ft and over 230kts) he told me no. I asked if he had a good reason and he replied that he was always told by other pilots to leave it on below 10,000 ft. I explained the reason why we do not keep it on during cruise (min fuel flow malfunction) and that 230kts is plenty of airspeed to control the plane while we feather it manually, if we need to. He replied with "no im just going to keep it on".
This problem with listening to me is exacerbated by our company policy that the flying pilot sits left seat, no matter who the PIC is. Due to industry standards, I think the FO is psychologically in a posistion of power, by sitting left seat.

2) He has an aversion to using checklists.

On my first trip with him he didnt want to use the checklists. When I insisted, he did not use them correctly. Instead of the challenge response method, he would read it silently to himself then say "all done"...he missed several items.

The 2nd leg that I flew with him was his leg as pilot flying. As I was closing the door he started the #2 engine! First of all, he shouldnt be starting that without me up there. Second, he didnt use a checklist and missed several items.

It is like pulling teeth with him to try and get him to use checklists. When I am pilot monitering, I always have to prompt him for the checklist, he hardly ever calls for it.

3) Radio phraseology. He doesnt not use standard profesional radio phraseology. And no, im not splitting hairs. A typical radio call would be

" Boston approach good morning how are ya there, this is King Air N***** we are climbing up through four thousand five hundred oops sorry about that boston King Air ... er uh N**** is climbing through fo teen five climbing up to 250 on our way to bla bla bla Thank you verry much sir thanks see ya well see ya"

The first time I heard it I wanted to cut his mike off!

4) He can't fly IMC without an auto pilot. Our auto pilot failed and he couldnt maintain straight and level. I had to fly. So I asked him to moniter, but something told me he didnt know wtf was going on, so I quizzed him about where we head next after such and such a fix... wrong answer. Wrong again. forget it. So he is basically useless over there while I fly and moniter while he makes his infamous radio calls.



I could keep going with problems.

So If I was at a huge airline I could just put this guy on my no fly list (and refer him to pro standards). The problem, is that he is my permanent FO, and we are the only crew on this airplane, and at this base. I am stuck with him for the next 1.4 years.

So, I don't want to create a rift between us by telling this guy off. Of course safety is my primary concern.
I decided to pick my battles and focus on the checklist usage and respect issue. I am trying to change his behavoir with nudges rather than just confronting him but im not sure that it is working.


Help me out people, what do you think. I don't want to go to management because I want to show some leadership and work this out on my own. I also don't want to create a rift between me and the FO.

How should I proceed?
 
Tell him how you expect him to do his job. If he complies, fine. If not, tell the chief pilot. An uncooperative F/O is a safety hazard.
 
Sounds like a mess you got there. I'd go ahead and start a rift with him personally. Something along the lines of " start that engine without me around again and you can go ahead and shut it back down because you aren't flying with me." He may have the 'I'm older than you chip on his shoulder' in which case advise him to come back when he's younger.
Good luck man.
 
Velocipede said:
Tell him how you expect him to do his job. If he complies, fine. If not, tell the chief pilot. An uncooperative F/O is a safety hazard.
Click to expand...

Gotta go with Velo here. Sounds like this guys on a fast track to getting you either violated or worse.
 
I would approach him very professionally and explain that you are PIC and its on your ticket if something happens so things will be done your way and if he feels safety is a problem to let it be known and both of you can resolve the issue. Don't be afraid to exercise your "final authority"
 
You have a responsibility both to yourself, and to your passengers, to make sure these problems end immediately. I'm all for doing things professionaly, but you have to do whatever you feel is necessary to correct the problem asap.
 
Tell him, that I said to follow the rules! If not, I will show him how us Navy guys treat people who think that they know everything.:bandit:
 
I'd break his knee caps in the parking lot, but make sure you wear a mask so he can't identify you.

Problem solved.
 
You gotta tell this guy who is in charge. Hes gonna get YOU in trouble.Nip it in the bud now. I have seen this time after time in my business,The new guy comes in and the guy that has been there longer just automatically thinks that because of the "seniority"that he is in charge.Not so.You are the captain of that airplane,i dont care who is in the left seat,and you are going to have to fix this problem.I would sit him down and tell him how it is going to be,and if he has a problem with it,then lets take it up the ladder. Good luck to you CAPTAIN. Fly Safe T.C.
 
jtrain609 said:
I'd break his knee caps in the parking lot, but make sure you wear a mask so he can't identify you.

Problem solved.
Click to expand...


As the Captain is viciously whacking the kneecaps, the FO responsds "Thank you, Sir. May I have another?" Ouch!

I would suggest talking to the guy first then taking it up the ladder.
 
You can fly the plane ok single pilot, right? Keep him in the right seat and don't let him touch a thing, or even talk on the radio.
 
Thats tough. I had problems with an FO before. I'd try to handle it diplomatically. The best thing to do is go and talk to the CP about it.
 
You're in a tough position, but it's actually pretty easy to correct. I too was a young Captain, so I've experienced the same problems. The way to solve it is to be overly direct. Don't try to be "nice" and diplomatic. It simply won't work. That would work for someone in your own age range, but this guy's chip on his shoulder is due to the age difference, and he's not going to respect you until you assert some serious authority.

Propilot said:
For example, he will unilaterally (without consutling with me) ask contollers for a lower atltitude.
Click to expand...

You: "Center, I apologize, but apparently my copilot doesn't understand who the PIC is. We'd like to stay at (insert altitude here)."

That will be the last time he tries that little trick, and you won't even have to say anything beyond the statement to the controller.

Also, when I told him to switch the autofeather off during cruise (we were at 9,000 ft and over 230kts) he told me no.
Click to expand...

You: "You must not have heard me right. It wasn't a request. Turn off the autofeather."

If he still says "no," then turn it off yourself and tell him that you're going to the chief pilot about his insubordination as soon as you land. He'll probably immediately apologize and shape up, but if he doesn't, make good on your threat and go to the CP about him. Insubordination by a copilot is unacceptable.

You've got to get control over this situation right away. The longer it goes on, the harder it will be to correct it. You're the Captain. Make sure he understands that.
 
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