Jonathan Goodish wrote:
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.


An FA could easily be tought enough to help tune the radios and be an extra
set of eyes. It could be done 100% in the simulator.