CC7062 - FO taken ill
Initial Report
I am concerned that the long-haul flight was allowed to operate with only 2 flight crew rather than the standard 3. The FO was taken ill on arrival at the aircraft and got worse quite quickly. Medlink returned him to the hotel. It was first said we would return to the hotel for minimum rest, then operate with 3 flight crew the next day, then we were told we were going with only 2 flight crew. No discussions between the crew. The flight crew had spent 2 days together and an hour in the flight deck whilst the Medlink call took place. Surely this put them both at high risk of also becoming ill within hours of taking off. I did not feel comfortable with this decision.
comments
Company Comment
All of our aircraft are approved to operate with a minimum of 2 pilots. The addition of a 3rd pilot on certain routes/aircraft types is for FTL compliance. This flight would likely have operated on a get-home basis with a plan in place after discussion with the OCC, potentially a medical representative and both operating pilots in agreement on factors such as break duration and if any discretion was required.
This report is an example of where effective communication between Flight Crew/OCC and Cabin Crew is essential to ensure that Cabin Crew have all the facts and are reassured during IROP events. Cabin Crew should feel confident and empowered to express any safety concerns with their SCCM and/or Flight Crew before or during the flight if required.
CAA Comment
The commander may elect to operate a flight with minimum crew provided the operator has established procedures for this. Communication is essential during flight operations to maintain a safe and effective working environment, in this instance better communication may have helped to alleviate the crew member’s concerns.
CHIRP Comment
While commanders have the authority and responsibility to make decisions in line with regulations and operational requirements, including using commander’s discretion, such non-normal situations can understandably create anxiety for cabin crew. Operating with two pilots rather than three is permitted where procedures allow and sometimes this may involve the use of commander’s discretion in unforeseen circumstances.
Transparent communication and situational awareness are essential to maintaining safety and trust. This does not always need to involve direct discussion with the flight crew, as they are often extremely busy at this time, but the SCCM can play a key role in maintaining communication between both sides of the flight deck door.
Crew should trust that processes are in place rather than assuming the worst. In this case, communication was lacking, which can naturally lead to assumptions and unsafe distractions. Crew members also have a responsibility to ask questions if they do not feel fully informed.