Cockpit Napping Policy

[sleepy]

I am doing a bit of research. Do any of you have a written policy concerning crewmembers sleeping on the flight deck? If so, can you share it with me?

Thanks,

 

[ultrarunner]

We don't put policies like that in writing. But naps are good. Just one person at a time though.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

 

[semperfido]

I don't think the FAA condones it, even though it may have merit. Therefore, I doubt you will find an SOP that allows it.

 

[ultrarunner]

That's why we don't put that stuff in writing!

 

[semperfido]

Lol

 

[G4G5]

First off you NEVER NAP!

What you are allowed to do is meditate for religious purposes.

A nap could get you fired but a good attorney would have field day with a company that fired an employee over religious beliefs.

 

[sleepy]

We don't put policies like that in writing. But naps are good. Just one person at a time though.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Then you do have a policy, it is just unwritten.

 

[Flex-ible]

Captain to FO: "Don't let me wake up on final and find you sleeping!"

 

[X man]

Napping

There have been many studies on napping, started in the late 80's, and is pretty much allowed in cruise with many operators, both airline and corporate, based on having a crew as sharp as possible on the approach. I believe Nasa spent a considerable amount of time studying what worked best and a figure came out that up to 25 minutes was acceptable, any more and it was difficult to keep sharp. Most of your long haul and or corporate long haul crews will nap at cruise when the need arises. But I do not think it was written down, although I do believe their are some airlines that have stated it is acceptable in their long haul flights, but I cannot bring to mind where they have stated it.

With the long haul capabilities of newer aircraft, sometimes with minimum crew, you need the crew sharp for the approach, as opposed to cruise when it is quiet, like on a over water crossing where one crew memeber takes over control of the aircraft, whilst the other shuts his eyes, turns off the headset.

 

[gear_guy]

Just make sure that you have an agreement to wake the other one up if a passenger comes up front for a visit. That would not look good.

 

[epic!]

just dont pull a Flight 1002

 

[freighthumper]

Our SOPs dont say anything about it, but our CP officially says its not only OK, but smart to take a nap. Just make sure the other guy is on the same page and wont be falling asleep too. Sucks getting woken up by SELCAL at 25 west and its Shanwick wondering were you are.

 

[MaxTorque]

The USCG had a policy on "strategic napping" in their air ops manual. If you can get hold of an active duty pilot, they can probably send you the section. Not sure if it is available via the net...

MT

 

[Jetdriver69]

We used to sleep in the cockpit all the time flying heavies in the USAF. I don't think it is a big deal, but it is not really allowed in my current flight department. We have passengers coming up front all the time and it would not look good taking a snooze when the CEO decides to visit.

 

[K.V.]

Seems like most people here are pretty much on the same page when it comes to cockpit napping...One pilot at a time; in cruse; don't overfly your airport by 150 miles; don't make up some lame BS story when you do...you know, things like that.