[Truth29]

He made an announcement over the PA system that has been variously reported, but which could be interpreted as dangerous. The various comments and interpretations on this thread alone are a good argument why he should not be making such comments and such "requests." The airline is very lucky there was not direct passenger action to stop the plane from taking off - just like has been discussed and
advocated on so many threads at FR.

[imintrouble]

Agreed - and do you think that behavior was in keeping with a man who had hours and months and years of strict training in the operation and safety practices of flying a commercial aircraft filled with passengers?

No.

I rest my case. He was in no condition to fly the plane at that particular time, and had he been aware of his behavior, he would have backed out of the flight himself.

I trust pilots. Many people who fly all the time trust pilots. They are trained to be observant and thorough, and this was not a man who was either. He was out of control.