Are You Safe in the Skies?

You’ve got your holiday plane tickets. You’ve passed through the extensive security measures. And now you’re all checked in, and seated at the gate—ready to soar off into the wild blue yonder. The weather is clear, yet cold, with not a cloud in the sky. Everything is going according to planned. And you are certain to have a safe trip to your holiday destination. Or maybe not… If you were a passenger on JetBlue’s “test” flight in 2005, your life might have been put in grave danger.

According to FAA reports, JetBlue arranged a series of tests which measured pilot fatigue. The pilots attempted to demonstrate that they could fly longer than the maximum 8-hour shift which is presently permitted under federal guidelines. In May of 2005, 29 JetBlue pilots underwent studies in more than 50 data-gathering flights. Motion detectors were placed on the wrists of the participants in an effort to monitor their response time in sensory motor activities.

None of these results have yet been made public. But lower-level FAA executives are in trouble with upper level officials, who have condemned the studies. It seems that in an attempt to continue providing those wonderfully affordable ticket costs to consumers, JetBlue decided to squeeze in extra hours of flying time with these particular studies.
JetBlue officials have confirmed that there were no in-flight emergencies during the testing. Furthermore, there was a third pilot on board to take the reins if need be. But these assurances don’t mean much to the FAA, nor to the passengers who would argue that their lives had unknowingly been put in danger.


WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED?

There are many arguments surrounding the issue of pilot fatigue. In the past, it has been the culprit in a number of previous aviation incidents (unrelated to JetBlue). Some questions which have been raised are:

Can pilots recognize when they are too tired to fly?

How does nutrition or dehydration affect a pilot’s physical well-being, and performance?