Confidential Human Factors
Incident Reporting Programme
The Charity
Aviation
Maritime
CC7172
Initial Report
On a recent long-haul flight the captain informed me they were taking controlled rest, right after take-off. Several hours later I needed access to the flight deck to obtain the iPad. The captain told me this was going to be a little awkward, as the first officer was asleep on the flight deck floor. On gaining access to the flight deck, the door was partially opened and the iPad was handed to me, by whom I don’t know.
Company Comment
Sitting or lying on the floor during a flight presents an increased risk of injury, particularly in the event of unexpected turbulence or a decompression. The only safe and approved way to sit or rest is in a designated rest seat or a lay-flat Class 1 bed, with a seatbelt securely fastened.
The situation described in the report does not reflect an approved practice. As part of our safety culture, it’s important that we continue to report and review such events. This allows us to understand the context, consider the individual’s reasoning, and ensure the right learning outcomes are taken forward.
We’ve spoken with our Flight Operations team, and they confirmed that resting on the floor in the flight deck is not permitted. This applies equally to cabin crew and passengers, all individuals must be seated in an approved position with a seatbelt fitted.
There are rare and exceptional circumstances, such as a medical emergency, where someone may end up on the floor. Outside of such situations, however, the floor must not be used for sitting or resting.
CAA Comment
Controlled rest is an important way in which to mitigate against unexpected fatigue, it is important that controlled rest is taken in a way that would not affect flight safety, the rest should be taken at the crew member’s station, and the restraint device should be used. In this circumstance if the aircraft were to encounter unexpected turbulence the pilot would be unsecured which has the potential to cause injury.
CHIRP Comment
Controlled rest (CR) on the flight deck is an established and effective method for mitigating fatigue in flight crews. Sometimes referred to as ‘in-seat napping,’ CR allows pilots to take short periods of rest while temporarily relieved of operational duties, in accordance with company procedures and UK regulations. In accordance with CAT.OP.MPA.210 Crew members at stations CR must be conducted safely, typically in an approved seat with the restraint device fastened and with clear communication of rest duration and intervals with cabin crew. It is not acceptable for a pilot to sleep on the flight deck floor. Doing so not only creates a risk of injury during turbulence or unexpected events but also impedes access to the flight deck if cabin crew need to intervene in an emergency.
The reporter also expressed concern about potential repercussions from raising this issue, which highlights the importance of maintaining a just culture where safety-related reporting is encouraged and supported. One of the reasons CHIRP exists is to capture this type of report that might otherwise go unreported.
Regarding sleeping during flight, according to NASA, the optimum time for an in-seat nap is 22 minutes, giving crew a short, effective rest period that can significantly improve alertness. Planning CR appropriately, with safe restraint and clear communication, ensures that fatigue is mitigated without introducing additional safety risks. Cabin and flight crew should be aware of and adhere to these principles to maintain operational safety at all times.