I spent +/- 9000 hours in the DC9 front office. Both seats. The only reason I left the airplane was that I was too comfortable in it. I needed to be in a cockpit where I was not as comfortable. Pilot training emphasized use of the magnetic compass. Never had to use it, (good maintenance!) though I knew I could if needed (good training!). My experience also includes DC-6, 727, 757, 747., as well as Citations. I will confidently make the statement that most aircraft accidents result from pilot mismanagement or shoddy maintenance.
At NWA we had a written and often emphasized rule that drinks must be handed forward around the pilot’s outside shoulder. Not allowed anywhere the center console. But then I retired in 2001. Things have changed, not just in aviation, but culturally.
I believe when they say "direct service" they do not mean "Non-stop". They mean it stops and might even change aircraft somewhere enroute, such as Atlanta.
In my experience every airplane built to Airline standards was safe, if properly maintained with a crew well trained to operate the aircraft as it was intended.
As a contrary example, when a Boeing 777 crew attempted to fly a perfectly functioning aircraft on a visual approach in good weather to a big runway and landed short of the runway because the crew couldn't handle it, that was not a properly trained crew. I do not care how many boxes were checked during their training.
A 78 yr. old retired airline pilot here. I have flown single engine reciprocating propeller driven airplanes, multi engine recips, multi engine turboprops, and multi engine turbojets up through the B-747.
IMHO,the current generation of high bypass turbojet engines are safer than turboprops. The turbojet has less machinery involved in converting fuel to thrust and noise. It is also more fuel efficient.
Rusty
Citation Shares used such a binder.....in many ways CS wasa good company. Pitya group of disgruntled group of pilots formed a union and made very attractive demands, but CA might not have made it anyway.
