On Jan 30, 7:51 pm, 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?

My airline tried to do something like this back in the late 90s, by
allowing the A line to ride the jumpseat during take off and landing,
but 9/11 changed that program in a hurry.



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.

One thing to consider here is that flight attendants see what goes on
day in and day out for years.Many of them know ALOT about flying from
watching us do checklists,inflight visits to the cockpit, and on
ocasion getting to fly on deadhead or ferry flights.
I would say that most GA pilots would probably be overwelmed on thier
first time in the seat and might not be as helpfull as a person who
has seen this stuff day in and day out for years.

JKG
KM