Wants To Be Sure Pilots Are Paying Attention, Not Distracted

ANN April 1st Special Edition: The NTSB has issued a recommendation to the FAA that it require all commercial airliners be equipped with "seat shockers" for the pilot and co-pilot to avoid another "distracted pilot" incident.

After Northwest Flight 188 overflew its destination by 150 miles last October, the flight crew said they were "distracted" by a discussion of airline policy while looking at their laptop computers. NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman said the FAA should require that all commercial airliners be equipped with a device slaved to the airplane's FMS that will give pilots a slight, but noticeable jolt through the seat as they approach their destination.

"We're not sure how that's supposed to be done, but we're sure it will increase safety," Hersman said. She said pilots could avoid the jolt by pressing a button on the instrument panel every half hour during flight.

The board also recommended that ATC should have the ability to activate the system for any aircraft that they are unable to contact for an extended period of time. "It should work through the transponder code," Hersman (pictured) said. "If the pilots don't respond to the radio, then a controller should be able to wake them up."

Pilots unions immediately reacted to the recommendation by saying the NTSB had no right to impugn their professionalism. "Our pilots don't deserve a kick in the pants no matter what the circumstances," said a spokesperson for one union not authorized to speak to the media. While questioning the logistics of such a system, NATCA members privately said (with a bit of a gleam in their eye) they would welcome the ability to get a pilot's attention.

Both Boeing and Airbus said such a system could add tens of thousands to dollars to the cost of new airplanes, and retrofits would be difficult. And, of course, the system would have to be shut off during takeoff and landing to prevent interference with the airplane's navigation equipment.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov