Pilots May Have Dozed Off Before Landing

Someone's cell phone alarm or alarm watch didn't go off.... Reply

The problems at Northwest are systemic; it's by far the worst airline on which I've ever flown. Reply

Fortunately, modern airplanes, especially passenger airliners, are very tolerant of screw ups like this. That said, the two pilots were highly irresponsible by losing track of the situation for that length of time and should be punished. Reply

Those CVR (Cockpit Voice Recorder) tapes ought to be interesting... Reply

Keep in mind that pilots are dealing harshly with the downturn in the economy as well. Here is testimony from famous Hudson River landing pilot Captain Sully to Congress about the deteriorating conditions in being a pilot today. "It is an incredible testament to the collective character, professionalism and dedication of my colleagues in the industry that they are still able to function at such a high level. It is my personal experience that my decision to remain in the profession I love has come at a great financial cost to me and my family. My pay has been cut 40%, my pension, like most airline pensions, has been terminated and replaced by a PBGC guarantee worth only pennies on the dollar. While airline pilots are by no means alone in our financial struggles – and I want to acknowledge how difficult it is for everyone right now – it is important to underscore that the terms of our employment have changed dramatically from when I began my career, leading to an untenable financial situation for pilots and their families. When my company offered pilots who had been laid off the chance to return to work, 60% refused. Members, I attempt to speak accurately and plainly, so please do not think I exaggerate when I say that I do not know a single professional airline pilot who wants his or her children to follow in their footsteps. I am worried that the airline piloting profession will not be able to continue to attract the best and the brightest. The current experience and skills of our country’s professional airline pilots come from investments made years ago when we were able to attract the ambitious, talented people who now frequently seek lucrative professional careers. That past investment was an indispensible element in our commercial aviation infrastructure, vital to safe air travel and our country’s economy and security. If we do not sufficiently value the airline piloting profession and future pilots are less experienced and less skilled, it logically follows that we will see negative consequences to the flying public – and to our country. We face remarkable challenges in our industry. In order to ensure economic security and an uncompromising approach to passenger safety, management must work with labor to bargain in good faith. We must find collective solutions that address the huge economic issues we face in recruiting and retaining the experienced and highly skilled professionals that the industry requires and that passenger safety demands. But further, we must develop and sustain an environment in every airline and aviation organization – a culture that balances the competing needs of accountability and learning. We must create and maintain the trust that is the absolutely essential element of a successful and sustainable safety reporting system to detect and correct deficiencies before they lead to an accident. We must not let the economic and financial pressures detract from a focus on constantly improving our... Reply

So according to Sully, if we would throw some more cash these pilots' way, they would stay awake? But for the measly amount they get paid now (which is well above the average American income), it's not worth their time to stay awake. Reply

The FAA has plans in the works to revamp the rules on pilot fatigue. The current rules are based on very old data and apparently the pilots hate them. The rules cover days on, days off, sleeping in flight, etcetera. They should hurry up and implement the new rules rather than throw the book at a couple of pilots. Reply

This discussion makes me sleepy..... Reply

Heyyy, I've fallen asleep on the job once or twice, what's the big deal? For the salary these guys get paid (not to mention the importance of doing their job flawlessly), you'd think they could knock back enough espresso or energy drinks to complete their flights while awake. Truckers do it, and on a lot less sleep. Reply

Come on now folks. Who among us hasn't lost situational awareness during a discussion of airline policy? Reply

Meth people. Meth. Reply