Should Pilots Be Allowed to Sleep During Flights? (military, Navy)
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As the article says, Controlled Rest is not a new concept. It is usually limited to say 30 minute sor so and the senior cabin crew member is required to check on the pilots in regular intervals.
If done correctly this is safer than having two very tired pilots in the cockpit
Controlled rest takes place in the pilots' seats in the cockpit.
Pilots only leave their seats for bathroom visits or when there is a third (and possibly fourth) pilot on board in order to take turns resting (in a crew rest bunk or a pax seat)
They should be required to take turns sleeping on long overnight flights. I know from experience how difficult it is to stay awake all night, no matter how much you try to sleep during the day. There's no reason to put safety on the back burner in order to prove some stupid point.
I am curious as to how much a 45-minute "controlled rest" (euphemism for "sleep"!!) can really help? When I really need to sleep, 45 minutes is nothing ... I would wake up groggier than I was before I tried to sleep.
How many pilots would there be on flights where sleeping is allowed? If only two, that is worrisome (as the article suggests) ... if one is sleeping, and the one who is supposed to be monitoring the first ALSO falls asleep, what happens then?
My favorite, said with sunglasses on as they tilt the seat back : "I'm going to study the overhead panel for the next while.."
But I wonder how these sanctioned naps would affect pilots with sleep apnea. There's quite a few airline pilots with it, just requires a special issuance. I suspect there's an awful lot who have it and are scared of being tested for it.
When I was in the Army we had to pull 24 guard shifts. It was two of us and we had to stay awake the entire time. Of course in reality, we would switch off taking cat naps. Obviously, getting a good power nap to recharge the batteries is much safer than being drunk on lack of sleep and weaving through Class B airspace. Just sleep in shifts. I mean, what really goes on during cruise that is THAT important that it needs the complete attention of both pilots? It's not uncommon for pilots to bring books, newspapers and even laptops to keep themselves attentive during a long haul. I see no problem with that as long as we trust our Captains to be the ones in control of how that is done.
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