In that particular instance, that pilot also mentioned there were issues with engine oil pressure, IIRC, and the fuel filter was scheduled to be replaced after the long haul flight over water. Those concerning data points were what led to him not “feeling it.” That type of casual language, IMO, makes it easier for people to empathize with the conclusion based on hard facts.

Still I've never heard a pilot communicate like that. On the European airlines I've flown on the pilot would concisely and professionally explain the situation and then make a formal apology.

OK, Karen

This probably happens on American airlines, but it won't make the news so you won't know about it unless you were on the plane.

The language of the corporate meeting room in America is also a lot more casual than in Europe. It has zero bearing on actual professionalism (defined, “ the competence or skill expected of a professional”) given the results of American corporations (or the strong safety record of US pilots). So, while I can literally understand your point, I can’t see why it’s material to anything.

No, that's a standard part of flying safety. If you are not in the right mental state to fly you shouldn't, and especially not if the lives of hundreds of people depend on you.

That isn't the point I was making. Read again.

That video was noteworthy because it was such unusual phrasing.

If the pilot isn't feeling the plane, I don't want to be on it either, so I'm not sure that's an "unprofessional" issue.

It was United.

The pilot in command can refuse an aircraft because of unresolved mechanical or technical issues, and sometimes issues that for example are fine on a clear calm day can just not be in weather. Remember that the pilots themselves are responsible for the safety of the aircraft and all passengers for the duration of the flight, so it's up to their judgement to make sure that a flight is safe.

But a fire on a plane is pretty much the most dangerous event you can have on a flight. Especially lithium battery fires since aircraft don't have the right extinguisher for them, and staff are generally trained to quarantine the fire just long enough so it can be taken care of on the ground.

Seems like a “lithium fire box” or perhaps fireproof bag capable of containing lithium fires and smothering them would become standard on planes. Most personal electronics are fairly small as well.

The official training video by the FAA outlines that crew should extinguish the fire with onboard equipment and keep it cool with water to prevent it from thermal runaway again. In one outline, FAA doesn't endorse putting it in a bag or touching it any further than it needs to be, and another in response to commercial "FAA approved" products for lithium battery fires, does not endorse nor discourage using such products.

You can't smother a lithium battery fire because it's not using atmospheric oxygen in the first place. The only options are containment or cooling.