I acknowledge showing up late to this party, but being part of the process and a CAG paddles presently, I find it amazing the uproar this change has caused. The issue is resolved and will fall to the managers of each community to determine how they proceed. This entire discussion began based on poor crew coordination and critical misinformation being given to the LSO's by WSO's who called the ball. The intent was to remove the "middle man" in order to create a more efficient and accurate flow of information. Does an NFO making the ball call allow a pilot to concentrate on flying more, sure. Is it impossible for a pilot to do it? No. We just had a HUGE change to everyone's thinking WRT going to mil at the tension signal. We now wait until everyone is clear and then go to mil. Huge mind shift that amounted to no problem at all implementing. Pilots can talk and fly at the same time. BUT, if crew coordination is good, then NFO is making the CORRECT call, and everything is done professionally and accurately, it is a help to have one less thing to think about at 3/4 mile. As another paddles put it, "we do it because we can. (ie task sharing to lessen the load)"
Regardless, this was proposed as an improvment on safety procedures, and recieved by many as an affront on the NFO race. This is unfortunate and I believe a conflict that will always rage with some.
As for the comments about LSO's not knowing what is going on half of the time, I couldn't agree more with 129 paddles. That is a very poisonous and dangerous sentiment to put out and one that will do nothing but undermine the credibility of a person out the trying to ensure every pilot and NFO comes back from cruise. The second faith is lost in paddles, seriously dangerous situations develop. In reality as an aircrew you do not have all of the information that I do. You don't know the deck status, how the pitch or roll of the ship has been acting, what the winds are doing, etc. You know meatball, linueup and angle of attack. You take care of that, and I will keep you safe from the rest of the variables. I've given and seen power calls when guys are clara high and watched the plane slam down in front of the 1 wire. Completely contrary to what a pilot clara high might think he needs, but obvious by the result of his landing. At the end of the day, the sentiment that paddles doesn't know what is going on comes from those who are struggling or worried about grades. As CAG paddles, I honestly don't care who top hook is, only that you cleared the ramp and recovered safely.
Bush 41 looks good on the pickle. How many Presidential upgrades did he give?!
