Single Pilot Bathroom Break
 

Ok, I've been looking and can't find an answer to this question.

Can a single-pilot leave his station for any reason?

You can imagine how this came up. I recently learned of a situation where a 208 pilot turned on the auto pilot and walked to the back of the plane to use the "pee tube." They're part 91 and he did have a company employee on board but the only difference that makes is somebody was there to tell on him.

My opinion is that although this is certainly questionable judgement I can't seem to find a regulation that addresses this specific scenario.

91.105 (a) During takeoff and landing, and while en route, each required flight crewmember shall-
(1) Be at the crewmember station unless the absence is necessary to perform duties in connection with the operation of the aircraft or in connection with physiological needs...



Is that it? It's legal to walk to the back for a pee break? This just doesn't seem like a complete answer to me. Somebody please tell me I'm missing an advisory circular or something.

91.13 Careless or reckless operation.

That's where I'd file that.

Like plastic said, you could argue .105 but they'll be all over .13.

I've done some extended single pilot flights (up to 5.5 hours) and just used a bottle. Since no one's on the plane, it's even easier.

Personally, for single pilot ops, unless you absolutely cannot stop, take a break, see a new airport, and stretch your legs a bit.

Agreed. I'm surprised there isn't something more specific but then it would really restrict folks doing LONG ferry flights.

Pack an empty bottle.

FARs only regulate flight over the US and up to x miles off shore, though. So what happens over the ocean is governed by something else that I'm too lazy to look up right now. Probably ICAO. Maybe nothing.

And a bucket.

"Piddle Packs", with the absorbent gel, work pretty well also.

"Lead....2's racehorse!!"

:)

Or, just get some of those Astronaut Diapers, like that NASA chick used, when she drove from Houston to Orlando to kill her lover's -other- girlfriend!

Why she couldn't just use a gas station when she filled up mid-way is beyond me.