(CNN) -- Dutch airline Transavia said it has launched an investigation after a Boeing 737 pilot was locked out of the cockpit and his first officer was later found asleep at the controls. (www.cnn.com) More...
No response from the intercom? Lucky ATC wasn't trying to get ahold of him. ATC: "Transavia 737, traffic alert! Climb immediately" FO: "zzzzz ahh zzzzz ahhzzzzz"
I don't remember the AF447 details but seem to recall the Captain took some time after the incident started to return to the flight deck. Does anyone know if A330 cockpit doors can be unlocked from either of the seats or is the latch release actually attached to the door, meanig someone would have to leave their seat to open it ? This could be dangerous if both pilots fighting the controls are junior and the senior/experience is locked outside. Anyway seniority and experience don't mean perfection, I think the Dutchman who wiped out Clipper 1736 at GCXO was either KLM's Chief Pilot or IC of Pilot Training and had just recertified the FO. If I remember correctly because of the weather, diversion and traffic congestion he was runnnng close to duty hour limits for the return to EHAM.
During flight the cockpit door has to be "unlocked" by someone inside the flightdeck. If that person doesn't respond there is an alternative method to unlock the door from the cabin, which the crew in this situation obviously used.
