B777 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 240; Flight Crew Total 15000; Flight Crew Type 3000
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
Company Policy
The current SOP regarding use of flight deck speakers to INCLUDE ANY PHASE OF FLIGHT INCLUDING AND ESPECIALLY PUSH BACK FROM GATE OPERATIONS is completely unsafe and distracting. The response suggesting that as many people who find the new SOP distracting is equaled by those who find it 'SAFE' is ludicrous. The current SOP allows blaring flight deck speakers to be used during pushback operations when in reality the cap should be SOLO in communication with the push crew and the First Officer should ONLY be on ATC. Do we really need to look at the history of killed and maimed ground personnel due to distractions that lead to forming the excellent SOP that preceded the change? We can review all of those accidents if need be...and the explanation by the responder who says that we wrote the new SOP to 'align with the MEL'??? Since when do we do that? The MEL is written for when we are forced to use speakers. In those few and far between cases we use the MEL; BUT FOR EVERYDAY OPERATIONS WE NEED A SAFE ENVIRONMENT. One in which we 'don't have to ask someone to turn off the loud distracting speaker on an everyday; every flight basis.' THAT is how it is currently written. In addition; the argument that the speakers on the ground allow the 'jumpseaters' the opportunity to listen in is bogus. The jumpseater CHOOSES whether to participate or not. If they want to listen in they are provided a headset.
B777 First Officer reported that he feels the current SOP allowing use of flight deck speakers to include any phase of flight including pushback is unsafe and distracting. He stated that the Captain should be solo in communicating with the push crew and the First Officer should be only on ATC frequency.