Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Fatigue
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
This [report] has nothing to do with this particular flight. It has to do with every flight in which the FAA (as I understand it) requires the landing pilot to take the last break. I fly mostly [relief pilot position]; but on occasion fly as [flying First Officer]. There is one CA [I fly with] that requires the First Officer if he is to land; to take the last break. He is not popular. The vast majority of landing pilots take the second break; because for most pilots; coming to the cockpit on an all-night flight with sleep inertia prior to landing is unsafe. Beyond that; there is no pilot I know who does not think this FAA directive intrusive and silly. How can anyone external to the person in question know when and how that pilot needs rest to be best prepared for landing during an all-nighter; or any flight? This rule is a perfect example of the tail wagging the dog; and is corrosive because it pits pilots' good judgment against a regulation. Thank heavens most pilots opt to do what is right and reasonable for their bodies and passenger safety.The FAA directive needs to be rescinded.
B777 First Officer reported concern with the FAR requiring the landing pilot to take the last break due to sleep inertia.