Critics of the critical phase

[CrazyErnie]

Anybody have any stories, preferably true ones, about pilots getting violations based on the "critical phase of flight" FARs?

Yesterday we had a Faa jumpseater and we flew the flight by the book. After we landed and the fed was gone the Captain said he was somewhat upset with me becuase I took a drink out of my water bottle during taxi out. Of course, that seems rediculous to me, but the FAR is clear that any non-essential activity (including eating) is prohibitted during a critical phase of flight. So I know the Capt.s right, but it still bugs me and I was wondering what other infamous experiences other people may have had.

-Crazy

 

[CA1900]

(b) No flight crewmember may engage in, nor may any pilot in command permit, any activity during a critical phase of flight which could distract any flight crewmember from the performance of his or her duties or which could interfere in any way with the proper conduct of those duties. Activities such as eating meals...are not required for the safe operation of the aircraft.

You weren't eating a meal, you were drinking water. 121.542 mentions meals specifically; it makes no mention of beverages. You're a water-based lifeform, and without it, your throat would dry up -- choking is an activity that "could distract [you] from performance of [your] duties."

I've had many a fed watch me drink water on the taxiway, and not one of them has had any problem with it whatsoever.

I think your fed was nuts.

 

[Guitar Guy]

Sounds like a nervous and/or newer captain. Still, I prefer to think of Feds as being rather like cobras or other poisonous snakes - you may not like the snake, but you must respect the snake lest you get bitten. I know that when I had to interact with Feds, I was polite and professional and I made sure that I did everything I could not to give them a reason to write me a letter of investigation.

 

[GogglesPisano]

Must be a new captain. "I had a scratchy throat and couldn't communicate properly with ATC. Now take a valium and call the freakin' hotel!" Would have been the proper response (well, not really, but you get the hint.) If you spend your career a neurotic worrywort you'll look back at age 60 and realize you should have relaxed a bit more.

-- former newbie nervous by the book captain.

 

[JAFI]

I think your fed was nuts.

If you re-read the origional post, the FED said nothing, it was the CAPTAIN that did not like him drinking water.

My favorate was once when the flying pilot (the FO) took out a paperback and started reading while he hand flew. The CAPTAIN WAS ALREADY READING A NEWSPAPER. I said that I thought some one should be flying the plane. The FO said I was over reacting......

JAFI

 

[O-Line]

My favorate was once when the flying pilot (the FO) took out a paperback and started reading while he hand flew. The CAPTAIN WAS ALREADY READING A NEWSPAPER. I said that I thought some one should be flying the plane. The FO said I was over reacting......

JAFI

That was you!!!! Come on it, was the Da Vinci Code!......jk

 

[TDTURBO]

It must really suck to be a professional pilot and have to worry about stuff like that. Am I glad I own my own and do what I want, read smoke in plane. You guys seem to have no fun anymore when the sole purpose of getting a career in flying was to enjoy it. I would switch occupations if possible and even get a good Iron Workers job and buy your own plane. No way I would ever fly 121, it would totally suck.

 

[91100 100 set]

Next time tell the captain to piss off.

 

[nosehair]

the Captain said he was somewhat upset with me becuase I took a drink out of my water bottle during taxi out. Of course, that seems rediculous to me, but the FAR is clear that any non-essential activity (including eating) is prohibitted during a critical phase of flight. So I know the Capt.s right, but it still bugs me
-

Actually, I'm very amazed that you did such a thing! What if you had to pee? Would you just get up and saunter back to the old head and take your time? Hmm? Would ya? See, you're losing your attention when you do stuff like that. Gotta keep the old eyes on the ball - drinkin', eatin', talkin', all that stuff goes away during this critical phase of flight. Next thing, you'll be on your cell phone....