Experiencing Pilot Fatigue: A Cautionary Tale

Airline pilots, despite the rigorous training and stringent safety standards in place, may occasionally find themselves alongside colleagues who fail to meet the necessary competency or professionalism standards. This article recounts a personal account of such an experience, highlighting the potential risks and reinforcing the importance of rigorous selection and training processes in the aviation industry.

Introduction to Airline Piloting

As an airline pilot, one of the recurring challenges I face is ensuring the smooth and safe operation of flights, often encountering unforeseen circumstances and human factors. The case I will recount here is a particularly memorable experience that occurred during a routine LKO-BLR sector flight in India. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring that all crew members not only meet the necessary qualifications but also maintain a level of professionalism and integrity.

Pre-Flight Preparations

On the morning of the flight, I arrived at the airport early, around 0400 hrs, for a scheduled 0630 hrs departure flight under a 50-something-year-old captain. My duties included a pre-flight briefing, cockpit preparation, and familiarizing myself with the aircraft systems. However, our plans were disrupted when the captain did not report as expected, causing the flight to be delayed until 0715 hrs.

Flight Challenges and Safety Concerns

As we took off, it became clear that the captain was visibly frustrated and displayed an arrogant attitude that seemed to stem from personal issues. At this stage, I was the pilot flying, so I managed the flight until we reached our cruising altitude. Here, the situation took a concerning turn when the chat with the captain became increasingly irritated and misogynistic. He even began to use abusive language, further compromising the cockpit atmosphere.

As we approached the critical stage of descent at Hyderabad airport (VOHS), the captain insisted on taking control, despite my reservations. His decision-making during the descent was erratic, leading to significant deviations from the planned approach. The captain's failure to maintain proper altitude and his marital attitudes posed significant safety risks, including the possibility of a TCAS warning or a GPWS alert.

The visual approach instruction by the captain was particularly concerning. Instead of following the standard instrument landing system (ILS) approach, he opted for a visual approach, despite the captain's initial position being below the glide slope. As the aircraft began to approach the runway, the pilot's lack of attention and control led to an unsafe landing condition, with the aircraft being both high and offset from the runway. At 500 feet above the runway, I requested a go-around, and when the captain agreed only after additional abuse, I worried about the potential hazards of a disrupted crew communication and control.

Professionalism and Safety

The incident highlighted the critical importance of professionalism and safety in the cockpit. Pilots must not only be technically skilled but also maintain a high standard of behavior and teamwork. The experience underscores the need for crew pairing that considers not only technical qualifications but also interpersonal factors that can affect the ability to work effectively during stressful situations.

After the flight, I reflected on the experience and felt for passengers who rely on the safety and competence of their pilots. My confidence in flying with the captain was lost, and I made a conscious decision not to fly with him again.

The account serves as a cautionary tale for the aviation industry, emphasizing the paramount importance of thorough screening and training for all pilots, as well as the need for continuous reinforcement of professional standards and teamwork.

Keywords

pilot incompetence, aviation safety, flight training

Conclusion

Ensuring the safety and integrity of air travel is a collective responsibility, involving not only pilots but also the supporting personnel and management. By sharing experiences such as this one, we can strive to enhance the overall safety culture and promote a higher standard of professionalism in the aviation field.