Do women ask for too much? The case of the British Airways pilot Jessica Starmer (Flight International, 26 April–2 May) is another example of women pushing for so much that they damage the image and respect of true professionals. Firstly, competing in a global economy is hard enough, but the ever-increasing burden of allowances for employees makes this even more difficult. I am a businesswoman who has worked in Norway for many years (where laws are favourable to employees) and had to cover for others on maternity leave, or with days off for sick children, and so on. It means the extra work, and their tax benefits, are paid for by the rest of us. It becomes a nightmare for an employer to achieve high productivity and efficiency with a transient, demanding workforce. Secondly, there are safety issues if this pilot fails to maintain flying hours. Years of training are required to become a pilot and it is only right that an employer should demand a certain level of experience. I have always favoured equal opportunity and am pleased to see women recognised for their professionalism, but it seems to me they want everything. Children are a great responsibility and should be given the benefit of parents' time and care. I am fed up with these women who expect to do everything and everyone else is to provide the means for them to fulfil these impossible terms. The hard work and battles we fought in the 1960s and 1970s for the recognition of women will be lost if we do not accept equal terms. Sarah Arnesen Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, UK
Society has changed As a currently employed airline captain flying in Europe, I sympathise with Jessica Starmer and British Airways (Flight International, 26 April–2 May). They both have legitimate points, and rights. This is not an issue of gender nor is it an issue of safety, rather an issue of statement that invites future requests for reduced working schedules. Today's world is not the structured society of yesteryear and the family structure has changed. If Jessica wishes to work 50% due to family commitments, that is her right. BA, in turn has the right to be concerned with the effective learning of a rather new pilot. I have witnessed many pilots who fly reduced schedules and have not passed their bi-yearly simulator check or line check. That is the risk. Besides, many executive and business jet pilots fly the monthly equivalent of Jessica's request for a 50% schedule. Name and address supplied
Napping keeps you awake... Orlando Giacich asks: "Is napping a good idea?" (Flight International, 26 April–2 May). I am a retired airline captain and my company did, indeed, encourage taking short naps on long night flights while flying with a two-pilot crew, assuming the pilot remained in his seat, the rest period did not exceed 30min – so that one did not enter a stage of deep slumber – and the other crew member was made fully aware of the responsibility that went along with it. My experience always was that having taken a short nap 2h or so before landing in the early morning hours definitely improved mental alertness, and made for much better and precise approaches in poor weather conditions – thus greatly enhancing safety. At no time did this policy ever compromise the safety of passengers and crew. Gerd Goebel Cape Town, South Africa
…but it can be dangerous Orlando Giacich misses the point (Flight International, 26 April-2 May). Even on medium range flights, fatigue can appear without warning, due to normal wear and tear – a noisy hotel or baby. On appropriate, minimum work load sectors, there is no reason to ban napping by consenting crew members, but I once woke up in a three-man cockpit to find all of us had been caught napping at the same time; the company forbade it, and I was a check captain. Deric Wood Paglesham, Essex, UK
Engineering and flying Casper MacCormack (Flight International, 19-25 April) is right to point out that learning to fly is complemented by undertaking an engineering degree. The good news is that universities are beginning to recognise this and a number of courses are now available that combine various levels of engineering training with learning to fly up to professional pilot licence (PPL) standard. Brunel University is addressing those issues and developing an aviation engineering programme that aims to combine PPL training with an Institute of Mechanical Engineers accredited engineering qualification from September 2006. Dr Ray Kirby School of Engineering and Design, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UK Editor's reply: Other readers have pointed out that similar courses are available, including at City, Liverpool and Salford universities in the UK and in the USA at Embry-Riddle.
Source: Flight International
