Navy Adversary

FYI under many of the rule sets regarding relief/augmented crew Operations the "off task" pilot(s) has to have the opportunity for (to paraphrase) "a continuous period of undisturbed rest", so as has been pointed out, no, you don't get the off watch pilot back on the Flight Deck to cover for toilet breaks - those have to managed using the same company procedures as would be used on a two pilot sector.

As far the comments about who is as PIC goes etc, FWIW where we are there is one aircraft Commander designated for the entire flight, and he/she is the PIC is Commander regardless of where he/she is seated during the flight. Who is "acting PIC"/P1/P2 on the flight deck is another matter.

I think there is little doubt the P2 should have been qualified and firmly strapped into the captain's seat. But still, nothing surprises me after years of experiencing things that go right through the scale of bad form to bewildering - and occasionally on to bizarre.

I've touched on a couple of examples on R&N over the years, but my thoughts of writing a book about it seem beset with one problem: no one would believe the half of it.

Sleep? One bloke used to ask for me if he was intending to drive home after the flights. Somewhere between T/O and TOC he'd be out cold. "Don't you land it!" He said, several times before the zzzzzzzzing started. Needles to say, as a sprog, I loved it.

That's the thing, isn't it? The blokes left with the aircraft must feel pretty good about their new-found responsibility.

most pilots are given a fulfilling schedule

I wonder if something wasn't lost in translation here...

If they're nodding off, they either need counseling on the private side, or need less hours. And more pay.

I hate what has happened to air travel. I really do.

We've turned aircraft into over the road coaches, and we're surprised when the companies running them hire barely qualified bus drivers.

Not saying that's the case here, so don't flame me out on this.

It just could be so much better, that's all.