If Your Pilots Snooze, Do You Lose?
Posted: Saturday, October 24, 2009
by Sandra E. Graham
My Books and Articles
Are we all shocked to hear that (possibly) the pilots of the Northwest airliner that flew 150 miles past their Minneapolis destination, were snoozing?? I certainly am. Of all the years of air traveling across the country and out of the country that I did when I was younger, it never once occurred to me that my pilots may be sleeping while I sat gripping the armrests and gazing out the window at the clouds below me. If they did and I had found out, would it have bothered me? Would I possibly have raised a horrendous fuss? I think--no, I KNOW,---that I most certainly would have!
The pilots (at least, not that I know about yet) have not admitted that they were napping. But what other explanation could there be for no one answering the radio, cell phones, stewardesses pounding on the cockpit door, or any other types of communication for over an hour!? I'm no aviation expert, but I don't buy it! It's kinda' like saying, "we were snatched up by aliens and dropped back in the plane an hour later." Actually, I think they've denied sleeping, but I haven't heard what they are saying that they were doing during this lapse of quiet' time.
I would think that it would make more sense that, if they were sleeping, it would be better in the long run to admit that they were sleeping; rather than give the impression that they were awake, but just ignoring all the frantic terror that they were causing on the ground!
Another 911 !!!???? Fighter pilots being put on alert to possibly have to shoot the plane out of the air-does that not run shivers down your spine!?
I'm all for pilots getting a catnap if necessary, but at least one pilot should be awake at all times when they are piloting a plane. Many pilots say that it is not unusual for a pilot to take a nap while the co-pilot flies the plane and that's all well and good; but it would appear that on this flight, the only ones awake were the stewardesses and maybe some of the passengers. I think I'll call the airport and get my flight changed to Delta.
This Article has been viewed 1,216 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
More commentshi sandra,ALL of them were snoozing so soundly they couldn't hear anything, even loud banging on the door?sounds fishy to me,how the heck are ya'?fine i hope,my best to you,sueHello, Sue. So good to hear from you. Thanks for reading and commenting.Sandra
I recently watched the movie Alive, an amazing story about survivors of a plane crash, and now I see your article Sandra. All I can say is I'm thankful any trip I have planned is months away, maybe by then I will have thoughts of crashes and sleeping pilots out of my mind. :)Oh, Brianna, I still think flying is the best way to go. If I had to travel any great distance, it would definitely be by air. Thanks for reading and commenting.Sandra
Glad I got back from Iowa before I read your piece... scary for sure! MarijoThanks for reading and commenting, Marijo. God bless you and yours.Sandra
This makes me not want to ridean airplane! Thank you for shareing thisLeft by cheyanne shearerThank you, Miss Cheyanne. You did ride a plane, have you forgotten--when you were three.Love ya,Grannie
It's a little scary to think about. But then again, I know I've driven places (especially to work early in the morning) and kinda not really remembered the trip once I got there. :-)However, you're right. They caused a lot of unnecessary panic and probably didn't do a lot of positive business for Northwest.CrystalI think it would be necessary for the pilots to get enough rest and a nap if they get to sleepy---but they should take turns. I think that's part of the reason for a pilot and a co-pilot. Thanks for reading and commenting, Crystal. And Welcome to Searchwarp.Sandra
Apparently latest news suggests they could have been playing on laptops and not snoozing ...If they were on their laptops, they still had jobs to do and answering the radio and other communications would be part of that----not to mention landing where they are supposed to.Thanks for reading and commenting Andy and Welcome to Searchwarp.I don't buy the laptop scenerio, either.Sandra
Somehow, the "lost in the laptop" excuse does not make me feel any better. You are so right, Sandra. They should just fess up to sleeping!Yeah, Ken. I don't think the laptop theory holds water. Thanks for reading and commenting.Sandra
Did you hear the latest on this? They were on their LAPTOPS!!!!! thats so crazy! it makes me not want to ride a plane again. I would rather much ride in a vehicle. I love you!!! GREAT ARTICLE!!!>_<Makes me think about people who 'Text and Drive'! It takes a real knuckle head to do that! Thanks for reading and commenting, Brittany.Love ya,Grannie S.
I was on lots of aircraft in Viet Nam. We slept when we could. You might be surprised.I'm sure just napping isn't an issue. The issue with these guys was the lack of communication from 'anyone'. And the fact that they over-shot the airport where they were supposed to land---that's amazing. Thanks for reading and commenting, Jim. And welcome to searchwarp.Sandra
Catching some ZZZzzz, on a laptop, it doesn't matter. If their attention is anywhere else than on flying that plane safely, it is unacceptable. Thanks for another great article, Sandra.Thanks, Lorrie, for reading and commenting. My sentiments exactly!!Sandra
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