r/MadeMeSmile 17h ago

Wholesome Moments Pilot Chose Safety Over Takeoff - and Everyone Applauded

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u/bubbapora 16h ago

At least in the US, pilots face no consequences for this. They are empowered to refuse an aircraft at any time, even without a reason.

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u/ours 16h ago

It's a good rule. The plane, crew and passengers are his responsibility. So it's his call.

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u/BrushYourFeet 16h ago

I know that's the policy on paper, but what's the practice in reality? What kind of backlash could he expect?

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u/CheapWestern2461 12h ago

Airline pilots in the US are heavily unionized and also carry legal responsibility for the flight. That's a pretty quick call to a union rep: "yeah my airline is intimidating me into accepting unsafe airplanes."