There was a study by US NASA, I think in the 1960s, of pilot fatigue on short haul operations. They sent observers to accompany pilots. The pilots were wired up to record certain functions, and notes were taken on duty times, sleep times, meals, etc.
The subjects flew for two or three airlines operating up and down the US east coast.
Films were made of some of the trips. (These remarks are from my fading memory, numbers may not be exact.) On one, the observer is standing in the cockpit behind two flying pilots. He remarks on camera that "Both of these guys know I'm here. This guy (points to the F/O) just fell asleep for 1 1/2 minutes! That guy (points to captain) fell asleep earlier for 2 minutes!"
And this under then-current flight and duty time rules! And short haul!
I'll try to locate the study and provide details.
Jet Blue pilots should have known what the consequences might be. Does anyone believe the consultant who abetted them in the "experiments" will conclude present flight and duty time rules are not strict enough?
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! HUNH?
