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| SLEEPLESS IN THE COCKPIT |
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There is recent concern in the news over the problem of sleep deprivation among airline crew. This is not a new problem. I believe I may have been the first to write about it in my 1992 book Jet Smart. Prior to that, I lived it -- working as an international flight attendant (1966-87), sitting upright on those rigid jumpseats on landings my body would sometimes fall asleep without my permission, and also, on occasion, finding all the pilots asleep at the controls after entering the cockpit with my key. The horrific problem of crew sleep deprivation resurfaces sporadically. Each time, Congress swears they're going to do something, then nothing is done. Each time, the FAA says that their minimum-rest regulations are adequate. Recently (11/23/03 ), FAA spokesman Chris White defended the FAA by saying, "We believe these regulations ensure the safety of the flying public." I disagree. FAA minimum-rest regulations do not ensure the safety of the flying public. It's simple math. Crew rest periods start when the captain sets the aircraft's brakes after arrival. This is also known as "block time" because, simultaneously, old-fashioned wooden blocks are slipped under the aircraft's wheels to keep them from rolling. After "the blocks," as we insiders call it, passengers deplane. So crews are on their so-called "rest break" when they are caring for the tired and weary deplaning masses, wheel chairs, unaccompanied minors, and lost items -- ever exuding smiles, at least trying to while on their rest break. Pilots generally don't disembark before passengers -- it is considered bad manners. So, once the plane is empty, the crew makes its way on foot from the back of the airport to curbside, stopping in Customs on international sectors, then standing outside waiting for the van sometimes for as much as 45 minutes. Checking in at the hotel lobby. Trekking to the most distant wing of the hotel reserved for crew quarters. Unpacking a little. Eating a little. And washing off the airplane grime. A friend of mine saved time by simply lying down in her uniform, then waking up fully dressed -- just putting on some fresh lipstick before returning to flight duty. If crews could fall asleep on demand, they might get four or five hours of real rest before the wake up jingle calls them back to arrive at the airport one to two hours before departure (depending on the airport) in a soiled uniform that looks like they feel. The official crew rest period stops as the wooden blocks are removed from the aircraft's wheels and the Captain releases the brake. So, just to be clear here, according to the FAA, while your flight attendant is running the security checkpoint gauntlet, checking the airplane for bombs and box cutters, and helping to stow your luggage, she's officially on her rest break. FAA minimum rest rules mandate that cabin crews only get nine hours' rest block to block. What a lot of crock. Nine hours of FAA-style rest translates into possibly four hours of sleep, only if the inbound plane has arrived on time. Cockpit crew (pilots) get eight hours "behind the door" of their hotel rooms, which is similar to the old rule for flight attendants. In my day, we could count on nine and a half at the hotel -- and I can attest that it was never adequate. After these layovers, I never felt refreshed or "friendly" when the passengers came on board. And though
we were rarely permitted to sleep on the plane, some of us rotated
into the lavatories for thirty minutes -- pillow on the sink,
passing out on the toilet under bright lights. All industries have traditions. Medical interns endure sleep deprivation for a few years, then they go on to become well-paid physicians who play golf on Wednesdays. Flight attendants endure sleep deprivation for the duration of their careers, and then some marry sultans and prime ministers, one ends up President of NOW, and many others end up with breast cancer. The airline industry lives across so many time zones that crewmembers are routinely sleep deprived. Combine this with more radiation per year than nuclear power plant workers are exposed to, airplanes that are sprayed with toxic pesticide sometimes with crew on board, cumulative jetlag, recirculated cabin air, and sardine seating that causes everyone's exhalations to mingle germs and viruses. |
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FROM READERS "My favorite all time quote is yours, " Crew sleep deprivation should be brought to Amnesty International, not the FAA." I am a 33-year flight attendant with AA. We fly all night from the West Coast to Hawaii and back. We are on duty up to 16 hours. In Hawaii, the pilots get off for a layover, but we have to set up for the return trip. These flights are dangerous to our health and by virtue of our diminished capacity dangerous to the passengers. Sometimes we take turns passing out on "dog beds" in closets. The government won't help us. Many of my coworkers have had car accidents falling asleep when driving home from the airport."—Anon Flight Attendant "Thank you for an outstanding web page. I Have spent hours there. Suffered a pulmonary embolism on one of my previous flights abroad. Being fit and healthy I never considered the possiblity of any complications. However I did find the air rather stuffy and had no clue re hydrating, etc. After that traumatic experience, I was fearful of flying. It has taken many years to overcome this fear and venture abroad. Your web page was sent to me by a friend from Australia and I found your information very helpful and have signed up for your Newsletter. I want to congratulate you on your dedication. Keep up the great work!" -Anna-Maree Munro (South Africa) "Thank you for sending me your news articles of very worthwhile info! We used your suggestions on our trip to Australia and jet lag was reduced dramatically! Thanks for all the continued updates. We are very grateful. Please continue to keep us all more aware of health and safety issues. You are doing a fantastic service for us." -Diana Laninga |
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