ABSTRACT
Historically, the captain in charge of a commercial airliner had high status and authority. These individuals were generally looked upon by most societies as superior in rank both by position and by gender (since nearly all were males). The correct protocol required that their actions and decisions were not to be questioned. Communication between aircraft captains and their support crews became forrnalized and crews were expected to communicate in the most deferential manner, or, under some 'commanders' to remain silent unless asked a direct question.
