I N C I D E N T A L L Y:
As readers are very much aware since September 11 the policy of airlines is to keep the flight deck door locked.
It was the custom with most carriers for one of the pretty cabin staff to refresh the crew every 20 minutes or so with coffee. Or in truth to make sure that they both stayed awake during what can often be a long and boring flight.
The problem of how to keep both pilots eyes open has now been solved.
The first officer has an additional pre-flight check.
Before the flight takes off he should place his hand on the pilot”s knee.
If the captain likes this movement it does ensure that the first officer keeps awake the whole time.
If the captain does not like it, it ensures that HIS eyes are kept open the whole time.
PS. This scheme does not work with most mixed crews.