WW
Every scenario has a safety case and your example of a crew being excessively tired (to the effect of under-performance) on their fifth early, in London TMA in peak period, with an operational problem in bad wx.......is just a tad remote.
I know that we are all aware of history and that this could potentially lead to an incident but as long as the safety case is made then the rule remains the same. We cannot complain when the safety case is 1 in 100million flight hours and an incident happens once in 100 million flight hours - surely that is the point of the safety case.
We all have the duty to ensure we are able to complete the duty safely and securely. In my opinion you can be just as fatigued on the third early and all aircrew are responsible for their own performance.
Another opinion of mine on this subject is the very existance of a rule can have an adverse effect on safety as it creates a standard which crews feel that the must achieve. We are all made differently and lead different lives and are capable of different levels of stamina. However, we are all individually responsible for ensuring we can complete the duty safely. The very rule itself can incite a fatigued pilot to push him/herself over the edge since there is a rule that says he/she should be able to do it.
PSR777 / You should open your eyes next time you manage to struggle onto or off an aircraft in your fatigued state with your CAP371 dreaming of HASAWA. I can tell you now that there are a lot of people on the airport doing much longer hours, more days of the week with far less leave than you and receiving a fraction of your pay. Stop moaning - next time you talk to a loader ask him how many hours he has worked this week - I gurantee he will average 60 (is this not your max?) The Operations guy frantically trying to keep the airline on the rails for 12hours is under far more stress than you or I can understand. The rep dealing with pax from a cancelled flight is the same. These people don't walk away after 3hr 30mins to take their 'meal break'.
I suspect you have forgotton why you joined this industry in the first place.
I too want a level playing field - but I want it for everyone - do not isolate yourselves from your colleagues, your life could depend on it.
MM