Use of Vacant Crew Seats and Incapacitation of Crew Members

Use of Vacant Crew Seats

General Policy

Important: In no case does the “Use of vacant crew seats” policy constitutes the right to transport persons (other than appointed crew members) without a valid ticket.

For the allocation of vacant crew seats (flight deck and cabin crew jump seats) refer to CCM.

The following categories of passengers may be approved by the Commander to use a vacant crew jump seat (in order of priority):
• The company employees (Company ID holders) in the following preferred order:
   - Engineers travelling to repair/recover AOG aircraft;
   - The company flight crew/cabin crew on duty travel;
   - The company personnel on duty travel;
   - The company personnel on personal travel;
• Family members or nominated partners of The company employees;
• The company business partners.

Any deviation from the above requires approval from the Flight Operations Manager. The cabin crew has to inform the respective passenger that their transport on a vacant crew seat is an exception and will entail restrictions regarding sitting comfort, service and the consumption of alcohol.

A person shall not be approved to occupy a vacant crew seat, unless he/she:
• Holds a valid ticket;
• Obtains Commander’s approval;
• Is able-bodied;
• Is in possession of sufficient strength or dexterity to operate and open the emergency exit, to exit expeditiously, and to assist others in getting off an escape slide (if any);
• Receives appropriate emergency briefing.

To summarize, all jump seat occupants are to be briefed on safety procedures which include safety harness usage, oxygen mask operation, emergency exits, sterile cockpit procedure and any items deemed necessary by the flight crew.

Alcohol shall not be served to persons occupying vacant crew seats (jump seats).

Procedure to Apply for Use of Vacant Crew Seats

Applications for use of vacant crew seats are processed by Flight Operations Administration and approved by Flight Operations Manager. Applicant can be any Company ID holder, on behalf of:

• Himself;
• His relatives;
• The company business partners.

Important: Security concerns necessitate that apart from Commander's approval, each use of vacant cockpit crew seats should also be co-approved in advance by the Flight Operations Manager.

In case of unforeseen circumstances Commander may bypass “Use of Vacant Crew Seats” procedure and approve use of vacant crew seat directly to the applicant during boarding, but only if the applicant is an employee of The company. In such a case, Commander's approval has to be recorded on the Journey Log.

Incapacitation of Crew Members

Refer to OM Part B.

General

Incapacitation of a crew member is defined as any condition which affects the health of a crew member during the performance of duties which renders him incapable of performing the assigned duties. Incapacitation is a real air safety hazard which occurs more frequently than many of the other emergencies which are the subject of routine training.

Incapacitation can occur in many forms varying from obvious sudden death to subtle, partial loss of function. It occurs in all age groups and during all phases of flight and may not be preceded by any warning.

Types of Incapacitation

Obvious incapacitation means total functional failure and loss of capabilities. It will generally be easily detectable and of prolonged occurrence.

Subtle incapacitation is the most frequent type and is considered a more significant operational hazard, because it is difficult to detect and the effects can range from partial loss of function to complete unconsciousness. Since a flight crew member may not be aware of or capable of rationally evaluating their situation, this type of incapacitation is the more dangerous one.

Recognition of Incapacitation

Flight crew members should have a very high index of suspicion of a subtle incapacitation.

The keys to an early recognition are:
• Disciplined use of standard operating procedures (SOP);
• Routine monitoring and cross-checking of flight instruments, particularly during critical phases of flight, i.e. take-off and initial climb-out, approach and landing;
• Correct application of CRM principles, especially the Two-Challenge Rule.

Other symptoms of the beginning of an incapacitation are:
• Incoherent speech;
• Unusual (strange) behaviour;
• Irregular breathing;
• Pale fixed facial expression;
• Jerky motions that are either delayed or too rapid.

Action to be taken in Case of Incapacitation of a Flight Crew Member

Refer to OM Part B.
Once an incapacitation is identified, the fit pilot shall:
1) Assume control and command of the aeroplane by performing following actions (in order of priority):
• Take over control with a callout »I HAVE CONTROL«;
• Keep (return) the aeroplane to a safe flight path;
• Engage the autopilot as soon as practicable;
• Check the position of essential controls and switches;
• Concentrate on flying the aeroplane especially during critical phases of flight;
• Inform ATC and declare emergency (i.e. MAYDAY call);
• Land as soon as possible.

2) Organise care of the incapacitated crew member:
• Request assistance of cabin crew to provide care;
• Move seat backward as far as possible and secure crew member in their seat to prevent obstruction of controls and/or switches. Remove crew member if situation permits to reduce the distraction their presence would have on the remaining crew;
• Try to provide first aid;
• Request medical assistance on landing, giving as many details as possible about the condition of the incapacitated crew member to the medical services.

3) Reorganize the flight deck work:
• Distribute the workload among the remaining flight crew;
• Do not press for a hasty approach;
• Request maximum available ATC assistance (e.g. radar vectors);
• Perform all checklists by reading them loudly and earlier than normal;
• Achieve landing configuration earlier than normal;
• Use autopilot as long as possible (until reaching certified vertical limits).

Important: In the situation where the Commander is incapacitated, the First Officer is authorised to conduct the approach to the full minima applicable (as defined in OM Part C) for the approach being flown. When necessary, First Officer may even conduct Low Visibility Approach (CAT II) with Autoland if he is properly qualified.

After landing First Officer is authorized to taxi the aeroplane to the parking position. Active runway shall be vacated, but whenever in doubt about the position and/or taxi route, the aeroplane shall be stopped and ground assistance requested.

Information about Indisposition

Every flight crew member should inform the remaining flight crew of any indisposition including extreme fatigue he is suffering from. This warning will help to reduce the operational risk associated with a possible incapacitation incident.

Action to be taken in Case of Incapacitation of a Cabin Crew Member

Should the CIC become incapacitated during flight, the Commander is to be informed immediately. Subject to the Commander’s agreement, the pre-designated senior cabin crew member will become CIC for the rest of the flight.

The minimum crew for each aeroplane type is stated in OM Part A, Chapter 4. If one or more cabin crew members on board should become incapacitated during flight and the number of remaining flight crew is less than the minimum number required to operate the type, the following actions are necessary:
• Nomination of Able-bodied Person(s) (ABP) to occupy vacant cabin crew seats.
They must be instructed regarding:
   - Handling of the crew seats and seat belts;
   - Unlocking and opening the doors;
   - Positioning of the oxygen masks;
   - Positioning of the life vests (if required);
   - Communication means.
• The passengers must be informed about:
   - The situation;
   - Necessary cabin safety requirements (refer to OM Part A, Chapter 8);
   - Passenger briefing procedures prior to landing (refer to OM Part A, Chapter 8).