Airline Pilot Central Forums - Temporary Flight Deck Mask Policy

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Quote:

Originally Posted by usernamehere (Post 3348220)

Yikes. So the two people most needed to stay conscious are going to have to rip off a mask and then put on an O2 mask that looses its quick don ability when you add in the step of removing the other mask in a rapid decompression situation? #safety. Don’t work at Alaska. But wow. Just wow, if that’s the case.

And the headsets that most people use on 737’s don’t do the same thing? Taking off a headset and getting a full face mask over prescription glasses definitely cuts into the quick don time. Oh the joys of being 50+ and flying the 737…. cant hear without a headset and can’t see without glasses.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hedley (Post 3348227)

the quickdon masks go over a headset just fine. They are specifically designed for that. Never had an issue with it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PNWFlyer (Post 3348284)

the quickdon masks go over a headset just fine. They are specifically designed for that. Never had an issue with it.

They’d go over a mask too. That was the point. Getting the full face on and seated with glasses is what takes a little more effort, but still no big deal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForeverJunior (Post 3347837)

Effective January 5th, 2021, masks will be worn at all times by all employees in the indoor/office work environment, including in the simulator and all other locations at the FTC. In the Flight Deck (FD)masks will be worn:
• Anytime the FD is open either on the ground or in the air.
• Anytime a Flight Attendant is in the FD either on the ground or in the air
• Anytime either pilot expresses a desire to have masks worn in the FD.
o In this case, the expectation is that masks will be worn unless you are actively eating/drinking, having difficulty communicating on the radio or fogging of prescription glasses causes a potential safety risk.

Interesting we have not seen this at QX yet. I imagine it must be right around the corner. Does something like this have to be approved by the FAA? The requirement to wear it in the flight deck while in flight seems like a big safety misstep, especially with only a single pilot in the flight deck during a break. 121 aviation history is filled with countless accidents that can be attributed to poor communication or lack of communication between crew members. Wearing masks in the flight deck only creates an additional barrier to clear communication and CRM. This doesn’t even take into consideration the need to be able to quickly don an oxygen mask when seconds can matter. I wonder if this decision went through any of the standard internal safety risk assessment processes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VanDriver (Post 3348344)

Interesting we have not seen this at QX yet. I imagine it must be right around the corner. Does something like this have to be approved by the FAA?

The FAA did not and will not approve a cockpit mask mandate. At least not without lengthy and detailed safety studies to CYA. That's why the language is written to provide a safety op-out. This is not really a mandate since anybody can opt not to participate... I certainly would not, the damn things fog my glasses and that's irritating and distracting, and would be fatiguing after several hours.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickair7777 (Post 3348378)

I completely agree with you, but the way it is written it seems like your only ‘opt out’ per company policy is for radio communication or fogging of prescription glasses.

It won’t be long before someone has a return to field for a mask disagreement in the flight deck

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hot Dog (Post 3348431)

It won’t be long before someone has a return to field for a mask disagreement in the flight deck

Is that a threat?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hot Dog (Post 3347680)

If another pilot wishes to have me wear a mask to make him/her feel better, let it be known at the gate so they can find themselves a replacement.

. OK Snowflake…