2 men crew on long haul cargo flights
 

I am concerned flying cargo flights with a 2 men crew over the Atlantic.

What are your feelings about the following issues :

1/ Switching from 3 to 2 men crew generally did not changed the procedures. Most of operators did not published specific incapacity procedures.
2/ Thanks to US FAR Part 121, US pilots don’t fly over the Atlantic with 2 pilots only, but EU-OPS allow this.
3/ Medical equipments are generally reduced to the minimum. Most of pilots are no properly trained for the use of medical devices.
4/ Penal responsibility of captains has not be taken into account in case of an incapacity leading to casualties after a pilot incapacity.
5/ Captain’s responsibility about loading compliance is practically entrusted to the loading master although he remains responsible according to Air regulations.

Due to these concerns, I believe an IFALPA policy should be issued to improve the level of air safety on cargo flights.

Happy landings !

2) Not true. We still fly trips less than 8 hours with 2-man crews. The US east coast to western Europe can be as little as 6 hours.

3-5) Length of trip really is irrelevant. Captain's responsibilities and duties remain the same.

What should that policy say?

fly with a Loadmaster as part of the crew:D

Again, that's no change. We have flying loadmasters and flying mechanics on any routes where they are needed. Length of trip or makeup of flight deck crew is not a factor.