Originally Posted by
F.Nose
The 2 on the flight deck at all times rule was mandated by the regulator in Australia as a direct result of a disturbed 'German Wings' FO deliberately flying an aircraft into terrain.
Fortunately, it was never mandated by the regulator in Australia.
I believe the practice was introduced by mutual agreement between the Airlines and the Australian Government to calm the noise at the time - can't find a reference right now, but that's how I remember it.
Which means it probably wouldn't be too hard for the Airlines to discontinue the practice, if they desired to.
All they would need to do is to contain any outcry by using all the appropriate PC nonsense such as "following an extensive review, risk analysis, studies of world's best practice etc etc.."
But the important thing is that those in the position to make change, have to want to make change. Where would that desire come from? It doesn't inconvenience
them. Unless of course increased disruptions to cabin service start causing the Frequent Flyers to complain.