Come on guys, when are we going to get over this over sensationalistic nonsense about pilots coming to work drunk. There is a VERY real threat affecting the operation of our aircraft today and that is fatigue. Think of this (and I can't condone any pilot who does go to work pis*ed) - a drunk pilot goes to fly an aircraft, he'll probably be sober when he gets to his destination. A fatigued pilot goes to work, he'll be even more fatigued when he gets to the destination - WHO WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE IN COMMAND? With the same poor decision making skills and slow reactions (IMHO) the guys who's constantly knocking on the 900 hours door, 6 days on, 3 days off pattern is more of a threat to your (our) safety.
Much has been said on this topic, but the Authorities regulating their Airlines, and the Airlines regulating their pilots are not doing enough to protect us. We are being worked to a limit, not a guideline, any more. The book says we can work 55 hours per week - the computer rosters say "great - we'll work those pilots to 55 hours per week (because we can)". It says we can work 3 night flights - the computer rosters say "great - we'll work those pilots on their 3 consecutive nights" etc etc
Just think about it
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