In article ,
"Gig 601XL Builder" wrDOTgiaconaATsuddenlink.net wrote:
This brings up another point. If FAs are there primarily for
emergencies and not as flying wait staff then why don't the airlines
train at least senior FAs to serve as backup radio ops and a second
pair of eyes/hands?

Too many regulatory hurdles, I suspect.

As opposed to getting a random passenger.


Not a random passenger, a certificated pilot. I would certainly
consider a certificated pilot--ANY certificated pilot--more qualified to
be on the flight deck in such a situation than a flight attendant who
did not hold a pilot certificate.



JKG