RAWALPINDI: The national flag carrier’s pilots and cabin staff have been told not to fly while fasting because doing so puts not only their own lives in danger but also the lives of everyone inside the aircraft and on the ground.
All cabin crew members received a letter with instructions on “in-flight fasting” that said, “Flying while fasting is perceived to be a possibility, but in such a case the element of risk is considerable and the margin of safety is minimal,” as advised by Corporate Safety Management and the Aircrew Medical Center.
Impaired judgment and incapacitation might result from erroneous and delayed responses in emergency circumstances with difficulties, which can have catastrophic repercussions. The indisputable sacredness of fasting does not require elaboration. There are specified relaxations on fasting while traveling, thus fasting and flying may not be limited to religious reasons since one must adjust their regular schedule while fasting, the article stated.
Taking into account all the variables, it is evident that flying while fasting is bad for everyone, including fellow passengers and those on the ground. It also reduces concentration and decision-making skills, reflexes, and stamina.
Therefore, it is imperative that all members of the cockpit/cabin crew who are observing quickly be told “not” to fly.
The national flag carrier indicated through a representative that compliance is guaranteed and that a circular had already been issued in this regard.
No crew member may use the privileges of his or her license as a crew member while fasting, according Civil Aviation Rules (CARs) 1994 rule 41(3).
