Why don't the pilots count? Aren't we the first ones to the scene of the accident?

" Excluding any pilot seats"

Sure glad we only have nine seats back there, guess this rule doesn't apply, Let's go!

Reference GOM chapter 12

24

THUNDERSTORMS

In the event of inoperative thunderstorm detection equipment, the flight will remain in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) while in areas of known thunderstorm activity.
If the weather radar is inoperative and thunderstorms are in the route the pilot shall remain in VMC conditions and ask for assistance from ATC. ATC radar shall not be substituted for aircraft radar due to the uncertain positioning and blind spots of the ATC system. If unable to proceed under these conditions the flight shall either divert around the weather, return to the departure airport, or land short of the troublesome weather.
If the weather radar is operative you shall fly no closer than 20 miles to any Level 3 or higher radar return. If your radar has no level indicators then use the red band as the determining factor.

12-27