Hi Ian W
It has now been shown in several cases that the current locked door policy as implemented by some airlines allowing one pilot to lock themselves into the flight deck - does not meet the Target Level of Safety for aviation. You might think it is excellent but the flaws mean that it needs to be changed. It can be changed by a simple procedure of using a flight crew member to be a second person in the cockpit.
We have a number of instances of the "door" locking out pilots. Some technical hitches, one FO locked out a Capt legitimately, 2 FOs the opposite (this one, Ethiopian), 1 Capt the opposite (LAM) - I am sure others.
Prior new doors, there seems a history of suicide accidents as well?
So I do not think the system excellent, but nor can I see the benefit of adding the additional crew member as a "cure all".
Just to be clear, can you state what you see as the legal (OM) role and specified duties of that additional (cabin) crew member in the Flight Deck:
- To override the (acting) Commander of the Aircraft if they judge their actions inappropriate?
- Do they override the commander (or deputy) in matters of Flight Safety?
- Does the Commander need to consult said (cabin) crew member if they wish to alter the Flight path iaw ATC?
- If the buzzer goes, and the Capt deems the requested entry inappropriate, can the CC member override (phsyically? by authority?) the order of the Commander?
- Will said CC member by trained, and authorised, in the use of the door system controls?
I do not see it as Black & White, I see arguments for both approaches. But I suspect it is being done, not for Flight Safety or Security, but as a
PR stunt.