Smell of alcohol in the cockpit ?!?

[si207]

If your going for the airline interview soon, here's one they like to throw your sometimes.... interesting question but think about it before you rush into the answer.
You are a new first officer in your first airline job. Prior to the flight a very experienced company Captain joins you in the cockpit, and it becomes evident that following him in is the distinct smell of alcohol.... What do you do next..? Here's a tip .. they are not looking for someone to storm off the cockpit and instantly call the authorities. Ok, you ask him and he dismisses it by saying "oh, i just had dinner and someone spilled wine on my trousers..".. now what?

[traveler]

Are you an interviewer, or has this happened to you recently ? Did you ask afterwards what their thoughts on the topic were ? I mean we can probably answer this to reasonable satisfaction since the interviewer has to advocate safety first. Just wonder what response you got ...

[BlackBird]

There is just *one* answer: call the authorities .. let me know if someone has other suggestions ...

[JBravo]

If it is obvious it isn't his trousers, try to persuade him to go home "sick". Don't know if the interviewer would like to here that, but I think it's something I would do. Maybe he's having troubles at home, and it would be a shame to let the career of that Captain end because of a possible slip up.

[Captain_Anonymous]

I agree with blackbird, if you only let someone report himself sick, probably this will happen again. depending on the company you're flying for, they have programs for people like this and eventually they are allowed to come back if 100% safe!

[Skyjob]

I think JBravo may be right by suggesting to him that you give him the opportunity to go home and sleep. That way he will remain in his position and can think about the things he's done.

Maybe a suggestion that you ask him discretely whether he thinks he's able to fly may help to persuade him, especially when you tell him you don't thinks so.

What is worse, being taken off the flightdeck forcefully (by law abiding officers which in the end you will lose your licence to) or have a choice and leave yourself and come back on the job the next day again, maybe with the Chief Pilot asking a few questions only.

[Captain_Googly]

First of all he might actually have wine on his trousers! Allthough who has dinner with friends dressed in uniform? If you really suspect he has been drinking: yes give him the opportunity to report sick. If he does not take this option either bluntly refuse to fly with the guy or less confronting ,but chickenish, report sick yourself (telling the other guy why!). Do however have a chat with the chief pilot. If this was not the right answer, who wants to fly for an airline that doesn't take alcohol problems seriuosly anyway!
.could <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Arial, Verdana ">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Skyjob:
I think JBravo may be right by suggesting to him that you give him the opportunity to go home and sleep. That way he will remain in his position and can think about the things he's done.

Maybe a suggestion that you ask him discretely whether he thinks he's able to fly may help to persuade him, especially when you tell him you don't thinks so.

What is worse, being taken off the flightdeck forcefully (by law abiding officers which in the end you will lose your licence to) or have a choice and leave yourself and come back on the job the next day again, maybe with the Chief Pilot asking a few questions only.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[icejet]

First of all they are going to want you to use "CRM" or take every thing in to account.
You should not answer this question directly.
Rather say " This is a very good question, but before I answer *I would like to consider few things like does he take any mediction that could have this smell, his toothpaste?, or aftershave or even has he or someone spilled something on his suit." If you answer all the questions like that you´ll get the job.
Best regards