US regulators are ordering Boeing 787 operators to modify cockpit seats to prevent possible serious injury to the captain in the event of rapid decompression, despite objections from several airlines citing fatigue risk.
The US FAA has determined that, when the seat is reclined, the headrest lies in the path of the cockpit door decompression panel.
This means that, theoretically, the panel could strike the captain’s head or face and cause serious, even potentially fatal, injury.
While the FAA proposed modifying seat assemblies on certain aircraft, several 787 operators asked for alternative methods to be considered.
British Airways, Air France and KLM all argued that the modification would limit the seat recline and prohibit pilots from achieving sufficient effective rest.
Air France stated that this situation could force the carrier to add a third pilot on 787 services, or change the 787 network, at significant cost.
British Airways and KLM also said that pilot fatigue from inadequate rest posed a greater operational hazard than the relatively low risk of crew injury during decompression.
Air France and KLM suggested using aids for accurate seat positioning, or procedures and placards to limit seat recline, to address the FAA’s concerns.
But the FAA says that, following analysis and evaluation of fleet data, it has determined that the risk to pilots is “unacceptable”, and has not revised its directive.
It states that the carriers’ suggestions for alternative compliance do not include supporting evidence demonstrating an acceptable level of safety – but adds that proposals submitted with such data would be considered.
