Nathan Fielder Went On Wolf Blitzer CNN To Describe The FAA As "Dumb" After They Dismissed His Crucial Pilot Training Results In 'The Rehearsal'
Salute to Captain Fielder for going grassroots on this and really dedicating himself to getting the word out. All he's doing is trying to make commercial airline flights safer and yet seemingly every government official & FAA stooge refuses to play ball. What's so complicated about improving pilot & co-pilot communication? I understand these are sky related issues.. but this isn't rocket science folks. Improve the training ASAP or GTFOH.
Keep in mind, this advice is coming from Nathan Fielder, the 737 pilot. Not Nathan Fielder, the magician comedian. It says it right there plain as day on national news, so it must be true? Who am I to argue!
Here's a brief recap of 'The Rehearsal' S2 if you need some context before flying further:
His whole 17 minute interview on CNN is worth a watch but I'll throw in some quick clips here too if you're just trying to skim. I absolutely love that he brought the legendary John Goglia, former board member of the NTSB, along for the ride too.
Big congrats to John on his recent induction to the Aviation Hall of Fame, which I didn't know existed until this very moment.
But you got this moment in time here with an airline icon AND licensed 737 pilot to ask anything about easily improving overall safety… And THAT was the best retort the FAA could come up with?
Frankly it's disgusting, arguably distressing. Better hope any future black boxes don't come back with petty disagreements & unconfident communication on them. That blood will most certainly be on their hands, not 1 single ounce on Captain Fielder's fingers though.
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There's nothing funny about airplane crashes. And no one knows this more than Nathan. This is a guy who single handedly saved 150 lives over the Mojave desert. Try walking a mile in his 737 shoes before passing judgment or think you know better.
And although this discussion and Rehearsal S2 revolved around pilot communication, at the heart of it this is the most human issue of all. Not speaking up when you should for fear of career retribution? Not calling out bullshit by a superior because they passively or aggressively intimidate you? It can happen 30,000 feet up or in the comfort of your cubicle.
Even inside the walls at CNN!
Of course I'd love to believe that Wolf Blitzer does NOT swing his cocky ego around the block or be an absolute horror to work with. Out of any news anchor out there he's absolutely my #1 choice to share a Wolf Spritzer with.
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Just like Fox Mulder, I want to believe..
But the point remains, without training, without preparation, without bringing up uncomfortable truths… what's left to work with other than sheer luck? Sure airplane crashes aren't the most common thing on earth but why have more occur when something simple can be done about it. That's all 737 Captain Nathan Fielder is trying to say.
Maybe the FAA should clear out the Biscoff crumbs out of their ears and try to give an earnest listen to him. It's the least they could do to respect a licensed pilot who's trying to give a heck about saving lives. And why have him stop at just 150? Let Capt. Fielder cook!
And of course, deny nothing. Give em hell out there Nathan. I'll always trust you with my life.