Rules about pilots leaving the flight deck?

[Gizm0]

Originally Posted by Bluffontheriver123

There are lots of factors at play. Guess what, when both pilots are present, sometimes one is asleep.

Taking a break or nap is designed to make sure the crew are at their best when really needed for the approach and landing. Sitting for 9 hours in the dark, wide awake in the wee hours without a break is dangerous. Likewise gassing away for 30 mins is unnecessary.

The question though was about the need for a baby sitter:
It takes a crew member away from a busy cabin unnecessarily.
If the pilot becomes incapacitated the AP will happily fly until the other returns.
It doesn’t reduce the risk of a suicidal pilot
it does increase the number of times the cockpit door opens

so make your risk assessment but I for one, will leave the flight deck to stretch my legs, make a cuppa, have a brief chat with the crew and return. I might even do a crossword before top of descent to get my brain working after 8 hours in the dark.

About the most sensible post on this thread so far. Mods: time to lock this one up?