Quote:
Originally Posted by jimworcs
My point exactly... the powers a cop has are serious and require significant amounts of training. They are also highly regulated by the judicial system. FA's don't have the training, (nor in some cases the intelligence or sensibility) to exercise such powers and have acquired them almost by default. It is a mistake which should be rectified.
Just to be clear, I did not and DO NOT defend the actions of the OP...
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CNBC produced a documentary "Inside American Airlines."
You can view it here on Hulu.com. In it they show flight attendants in recurrent training, not new-hires, being trained in self-defense, how to properly use restraints, etc. I believe one senior flight attendant interviewed said back in the day we were issued white gloves and now we're issued hand cuffs. The friendly skies aren't so friendly any more. Prior to 9/11 flight attendants probably had to put up with the same kind of crap they do today. Post 9/11 they now have ways of dealing with it which is backed up by the law.
I think we can all agree that a cellphone or blackberry or similar device isn't going to bring down an airplane but rules are rules. When you're told it's time to turn them off then turn them off. The OP's refusal to comply could have been indicative of his behavior in any situation and the crew did not wish to risk him being a problem once they were underway. Suppose the plane veered off the runway and he was told, "Go open that emergency door now!" and his reply was, "In a moment, let me grab my carry on first."