Originally Posted by
tsquare
Source please. The reason I ask is that I know of no policy as to how the breaks are to be conducted. That being said, I have flown several trips recently with north crews, and I will say this: The idea of one FO doing the takeoff and the other doing the landing is a good one. I think that should be adopted. However the idea of the captain ALWAYS getting his choice of break (hence the middle one) is retarded. That means the landing FO would either be wiping sleep out of his eyes on approach or he would have been up for 4-6 hours before landing in the middle of the night. Just my 2 cents.
T......yup, I think I really like your hybrid here as I agree. First time I did the breaks y'alls way was my first trip over to CDG. The Capt was the MSP Chief Pilot, the IP was the MSP head LCA, me and a very very sharp relief guy out of ATL.
Anyway, I looked at him and said "I've never been to CDG and want to be in the seat for landing" (hinting to relax I'd take first break) and headed out the door for the walk around. His look of utter confusion was classic, so we all chatted a bit on "how do you do it"? Since we were all north guys wanting to do "try it you'll like it" we did it the south way. Six of one, half dozen of the other was my impression...........until we did it the south way coming home. My TO and landing with second break was much better for the landing, I was sold.
So, I see your point too because the relief pilots I've flown with (especially in Asia) are on long trips as only the RP and unless they speak up aren't gong to get a TO or landing in this system.
Just my opinion, I could be wrong
Ferd
PS........why we wouldn't just let the whale guys do it like THEY (the user) want to is beyond me. But, again just my opinion.