Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 170; Flight Crew Total 21000; Flight Crew Type 1000
Situational Awareness; Distraction; Fatigue
Other Fatigue
General None Reported / Taken
Aircraft; Company Policy; Human Factors
I was relief pilot for this flight and arrived prepared for the first break (nap earlier in the day and no caffeine for 6 hours before estimated break time). This aircraft has the new First Class seat installed in the former bunk area (commonly known as the 'Man Cave'). I usually try to avoid this rest seat due to excessive noise and poor ventilation. Unfortunately there were no empty First Class seats or usable Business Class seats (two outboard seats open) available. I know that I am not allowed to use a non-designated seat for rest. However; I do what I need to do to ensure a safe operation. While use of either First or Business Class seat cannot be considered a quiet location for rest; it is better than the loud noises of the 'Man Cave': You hear every time someone goes in or out of the flight deck; Every time the secondary barrier is used (regardless of how careful the flight attendants are with the unit); General noise from the galley; any use of the phone or any activity in the forward cabin (Duty Free cart). If I am ever able to fall asleep in this facility; I will be awakened shortly by noise. It is difficult that this facility is approved as a rest area. As a result of the above conditions I was unable to get any sleep and little rest during my break. This later resulted in a degradation of safety when I missed timely Class II requirements; and later was missing radio calls and at times confused over ATC instructions. I believe this was a direct result of inadequate rest due to an inadequate rest facility. Fortunately the return leg was in an aircraft which has a First Class seat with a curtain for privacy/noise suppression in a quieter part of the cabin. While the curtains could be designed to fit better; and in general are poorly maintained by my Carrier; they offer a rest facility that probably meets a minimum standard for crew rest. Yes; I was able to sleep/rest on the return leg.
An air carrier Relief Pilot reports that his aircraft had no suitable flight crew rest location and so he was unable to rest; resulting in fatigue and some ensuing communications and procedural errors.