Seatbelts in the Cockpit

[ultrarunner]

I wonder what the long range corp guys are doing. 8 to 10 hrs above 410...wonder if one guy is always on a mask????

 

[RUhiring?]

Corporate flying is not Part 121....

 

[Carl_Spackler]

Are there any 121 A/C that can fly above 41?

 

[TriStar_drvr]

Are there any 121 A/C that can fly above 41?

The L1011 is certified to 42000 or 43000 depending on the model.

 

[FN FAL]

However, in case of depressurization won't the pilots be in equal danger.

In equal danger of what?

 

[RP 04]

747 certified to 45100', not sure how to get up there unless you have absolute minimum fuel onboard, minimum payload and ISA around -30.

 

[Green]

I understand that seat belts are important while cruise. The rationale given is that in case of rapid depressurization you want to be strapped to your seat. However, in case of depressurization won't the pilots be in equal danger. That being said -- why don't pilots keep the seatbelt "loosely fastened" at all times.

Second point -- I am told that whenever one member from a 2 man cockpit crew leaves -- the person that is still in the cockpit must wear an oxygen mask. When was the last time this rule was implemented?

The seat belts in cruise is to protect you from a clear air turbulence event, not a rapid decompression. If you are flying along and severe turbulence sends you into the ceiling, knocking out the pilots, then you are left with a pretty big lawn dart and a smoking hole in the ground.

As for the oxygen at high altitudes you only have a few seconds to put your oxygen mask on before you lose conciousness. Therefore if one pilot is out of the cockpit the other must continuously be on O2 to prevent the chance of him/her not recognizing a decompression event.

 

[SeaSlam]

If this isn't incentive to be strapped in I don't know what is...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Airways_Flight_5390

 

[81Horse]

There was a good National Geographic show about it.

http://insider.tv.yahoo.com/celeb/2146/