Are there Guidelines on How Long Pilot Break Time in Galley is?
Nov 30, 2018, 9:38 pm
#1
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Are there Guidelines on How Long Pilot Break Time in Galley is?
I am curious about something. On my flight tonight (about 3.5 hours, 737-900), about an hour before landing, the pilots took turns using the lav. Each pilot stayed out in the galley and chatted with the FA for while. It probably took about 20 minutes total (I was watching DirecTV so I know by the length of the program - almost the length of Entertainment Tonight on WCBS).
When they were finally done an the cart pulled away, 3-4 passengers started going to the lav. I thought it was unusually long and kind of inconsiderate of them when the lav for 20 passengers was blocked. (I guess with the 737-900, at least there is one lav right behind the curtain.)
I wonder if they have any guidelines on this kind of thing. If security is really of concern, you would think they would minimize the time they spend outside the cockpit? Thanks.
When they were finally done an the cart pulled away, 3-4 passengers started going to the lav. I thought it was unusually long and kind of inconsiderate of them when the lav for 20 passengers was blocked. (I guess with the 737-900, at least there is one lav right behind the curtain.)
I wonder if they have any guidelines on this kind of thing. If security is really of concern, you would think they would minimize the time they spend outside the cockpit? Thanks.
Nov 30, 2018, 10:25 pm
#2
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Dec 1, 2018, 1:26 am
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I had a UA flight earlier this year where the pilots had the forward lav blocked for at least an hour so they could chat with the FAs. I was in 1B and it was pretty annoying. Not just distracting, but because the FAs ceased all service in the F cabin. I eventually went up and asked if there was a problem. They got the message.
Dec 1, 2018, 5:43 am
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Similar problem on the 772 with one forward lav and crew bunks. The resting pilots can swing the bunk door to block the lav. I've been on TPACs where it's been that way for TWO HOURS. The FAs were incredulous too but said there was nothing they could do. That left 2 lavs for all of F and J.
Dec 1, 2018, 8:16 am
#5
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The pilots are supposed to be flying the plane (or assisting the person at the helm) and not socializing with the FAs. Their bathroom trips should be limited to going in and out, not lingering in the galley. When there's an emergency, I don't want the FA who is in the cockpit with the co-pilot to have to handle it!
Dec 1, 2018, 9:11 am
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I had a UA flight earlier this year where the pilots had the forward lav blocked for at least an hour so they could chat with the FAs. I was in 1B and it was pretty annoying. Not just distracting, but because the FAs ceased all service in the F cabin. I eventually went up and asked if there was a problem. They got the message.
Re: OP, I’ve noticed this more often than not they’ll come out on TCON in the last 90 minutes for extended stretches. Usually they collect their meal and stretch their legs. And chat w the FA’s. It always seemed strange they waited until the end to hit the head and eat, especially the meal part. Why not wait another 90 minutes and have real food on the ground?
Dec 1, 2018, 11:46 am
#7
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The strange thing last night was that they did not get their meal - the flight departed ORD about 4 PM. Maybe that is why? We got a full meal.
That was the only period they blocked the galley. They were certainly having fun with their discussions - at one point, an FA from Y came up and joined.
That was the only period they blocked the galley. They were certainly having fun with their discussions - at one point, an FA from Y came up and joined.
Dec 1, 2018, 3:24 pm
#10
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If the 'visit' of the pilot / copilot was extended as the OP indicated and I got this behavior, I'd promptly request the ear of the purser as soon as the blockade was removed and also following that up with an email to 1K voice detailing the situation once on the ground. I understand security while the cockpit door is in use, but blocking the entire front cabin from using the lav for extended periods for no good reason is ridiculous.
Dec 1, 2018, 9:47 pm
#12
Join Date: Dec 2018
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The 737 has a very space limited cockpit. You physically can not stand up in it if you are taller than 5’8”. As a result, the only opportunity we have to stretch our legs is during our restroom break. I go back once every 3 hours regardless if I have to use the restroom or not. I generally stretch my legs for 5-10 minutes, grab a cup of coffee and head back to work. I’ve had first officers stay put on the flight deck on a five hour trancon without a break. Not sure how they do it. When I flew the 787 & 777 as a first officer it wasn’t a big deal since the cockpit had plenty of room to stretch out when needed.
Dec 1, 2018, 9:56 pm
#13
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thats interesting, I’ve seen people get up 2-3x since the blockade security method has been employed and each time the FA would immediately say “we need you to sit down...” pretty authoritatively. Never an opportunity for a passenger to tell them how to do their job.
Re: OP, I’ve noticed this more often than not they’ll come out on TCON in the last 90 minutes for extended stretches. Usually they collect their meal and stretch their legs. And chat w the FA’s. It always seemed strange they waited until the end to hit the head and eat, especially the meal part. Why not wait another 90 minutes and have real food on the ground?
Why? Because they're cheap. Wasn't there a joke that the pretzels/peanuts served to passengers are known as pilot pellets?
Dec 1, 2018, 10:23 pm
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The 737 has a very space limited cockpit. You physically can not stand up in it if you are taller than 5’8”. As a result, the only opportunity we have to stretch our legs is during our restroom break. I go back once every 3 hours regardless if I have to use the restroom or not. I generally stretch my legs for 5-10 minutes, grab a cup of coffee and head back to work. I’ve had first officers stay put on the flight deck on a five hour trancon without a break. Not sure how they do it. When I flew the 787 & 777 as a first officer it wasn’t a big deal since the cockpit had plenty of room to stretch out when needed.
That explains the need to escape the 737 cockpit for a few minutes. As well as why the F lav is so cramped as well. I personally will tend to use the lav at the front of Economy Plus on the 739s if it open even if I'm sitting up front since I can't properly stand in the F lav and the toilet seat tends to always fall down.
David
Dec 1, 2018, 10:59 pm
#15
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Welcome to FlyerTalk, SFO737CAPT!
That explains the need to escape the 737 cockpit for a few minutes. As well as why the F lav is so cramped as well. I personally will tend to use the lav at the front of Economy Plus on the 739s if it open even if I'm sitting up front since I can't properly stand in the F lav and the toilet seat tends to always fall down.
David