ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the ways in which the modern airliner and its flight crew come together in a detailed and intricate system to perform repeatedly, a complex, highly-synchronized routine, the result of which is predictably safe, routine and ultimately successful. The interactions between flight crew and the customer are limited to visibility whilst walking through the terminal and occasionally, time permitting, during disembarkation in addition to the venerable public announcements (PAs). PAs prior to departure can be a useful tool to both provide the Captain's reassurance as well as to convey flight and destination information. Airline employment programs are typically cyclical, with two key drivers: airline expansion and pilot attrition. Airlines set minimum experience criteria associated with the recruitment of new flight crew. Generally, these requirements are set by the Flight Operations team, having regard for factors such as the overall experience levels in the airline, capabilities of the training system, and simple supply and demand.
