INCIDENTALLY: Out of Hours
Readers may have heard of the airline expression ”out of hours” meaning that the flight deck crew cannot fly any further due to having amassed more flying than allowed by the regulator. This can be infuriating for everyone when stuck at some airport where there is no relief pilot and co-pilot.
The term took on a new meaning for a group of 45 international press, the guests of STAR Alliance in Kyoto last week, whose luggage was expected to go by coach whilst the journos took Japan”s famous ”Bullet” train. ”Sorry but driver out of hours” seemed to be the message expertly translated by ANA”s Rob Henderson. ”You have one minute to load cases onto train!” STAR”S excellent organiser former Lufthansa PR man Marcus Ruediger looked on exasperated. His fine plans were falling apart. ”Not to worry,” said the media, young and old alike. They met the deadline of the Shinkansen. Just!