"alohacyberian" wrote in message news:...
> "Robert M. Gary" wrote in message
> news:4252c371.0307282024.4320bf29@posting.google.com...
> > Years ago when I did my IFR my DE was an old retired 747 pilot. He
> > said it was pretty common to cover the windows with newspapers and
> > take turns sleeping. There wasn't much to do in cruise.
> >
> But, that don't make it right.
Legally, no. Safety wise, its probably not the big deal you are making
it out to be. Any of these planes can be flown by one pilot (every
year a couple captains drop dead at the wheel and the first officer
does a fine job of flying himself). The only time the work load is
high is during takeoff, landing, and emergencies. As long as the guy
can wake up quickly, I don't see a safey issue.
However, I wouldn't do it myself, simply because I value that piece of
paper the FAA gave me to keep in my wallet.
> Sounds smug. Hope he isn't the next one to
> lose his job for endangering his passengers while he's asleep.
He died years ago, in the parking lot of the airport. |