Newsstand - Video Catches Pilot Snoozing During Flight

Video Catches Pilot Snoozing During Flight

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/GMA/US/GMA_sleepingpilot030718.html

Apparently they snooze routinely. A WSJ article a year or so ago discussed this -- often "micro naps"

At least he had a co-pilot.

From what I understand from friends who work for the same operation, the pilot was not actually sleeping but had closed his eyes and pulled down his cap as they were flying into the sun and he was the PNF with the co-pilot at the controls.

The kid who made the video edited it to show only the 15 seconds (yes, that is how long I understand the video is in its entirety) that look the most incriminating and then sold it to Inside Edition for a nice chunk of cash.

Alas, the innocent pilot (who happens to be a very senior and respected USAF veteran) has become the fall guy in this incident.

Ah, a shining example of what happens when too much information gets in the hands of people who have no idea what they're talking about. I'm surprised the news outlets haven't taken this and run with it - they could create a major scandal and sensationalize such things as how pilots on Dangerous Overseas Flights, whom we Trust With Our Lives when we go to take that vacation of a lifetime, routinely cover the plane's windshield with paper during flight!! (Film at 11.)

Yes, he was very severely disciplined I see! Perhaps they simply felt that they must do something to stem potential public outrage?

What I want to know is why the pax were in the cockpit.

Oh, and ABC seems to be sensationalizing this and *selling* subscriptions to their site that allow you to watch crap like this.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by xyzzy:
[B]What I want to know is why the pax were in the cockpit.
[B]</font>

Or really... why the cockpit door was open in the first place. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">why the cockpit door was open in the first place</font>The Twin Otter does not have a cockpit door. A characteristic in common with all other commuter types seating less than 30.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Wally Bird:
why the cockpit door was open in the first place</font>The Twin Otter does not have a cockpit door. A characteristic in common with all other commuter types seating less than 30.

Ahh I see. Thanks! (and welcome to FT!)

ALOHA