Originally Posted by
JDiver
Swiss International Airlines has decided to abandon the "two in the cockpit at all times whilst flying" rule, according to articles
here and
here, as of 1 May 2017. (FlightAware and The Local CH.)
'A safety review “concluded that the requirement of having two crew members in the cockpit at all times during a flight does not enhance safety, and actually introduces additional risks to daily operations in flight safety terms (such as the fact that the rule results in more and longer openings of the cockpit door),” it said.' As well, SWISS complies with EASA rules regarding flight crew.
Unfortunately, those of us who are expected to purchase the product are not allowed to read this "safety review". We are expected to accept it as is. In my line of work, one review does not a policy make. Studies undergo peer review and analysis in a transparent manner. The claim that the rule requires a longer opening of the door is a feeble reason. The german wings crash had the pilot lock the cockpit door such that the other pilot could not enter. The Swiss policy does not address this risk.
Swiss cannot guarantee that we won't have another incident with one of its own highly strung pilots. Considering the fact that the Swiss pilot demographics are the pool from which suicides are more likely (male, caucasian age 35-55) compounded by the fact that this group has a higher rate of suicide than other groups in Europe and is also higher than the world average, Swiss is playing with fire. (These numbers
do not include assisted suicide.)
Swiss isn't immune to cockpit problems or pilot illness. and is making a mistake. In any case, I won't be onboard while they test out this new procedure.