Date: 201212
Local time of day: 1201-1800
Location: DCA.Airport, DC
Flight conditions: IMC
Aircraft: B757 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Descent
ATC / advisory: TRACON PCT
Aircraft component: FMS/FMC
Component problem: Design
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Pilot Flying; Captain
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human factors: Workload; Time Pressure; Distraction; Confusion; Human-Machine Interface
Anomaly: ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Passenger Misconduct; Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Flight Crew FLC Overrode Automation; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Contributing factors: Chart Or Publication; Human Factors; Procedure; Aircraft
Primary problem: Procedure

Narrative: Our flight plan to DCA had us arriving on the FRDMM1 RNAV STAR. Prior to being on the charted portion of this RNAV STAR we were given a crossing clearance that was not possible to insert into the legs page of the FMC due to mileage and FMC limitations. I put the crossing fix on the fix page of the FMC; and inserted a circle at the correct crossing mileage. I started down using FLCH to make the crossing. We were then cleared direct to a fix on the arrival; DRRON I believe; and then cleared to descend via the FRDMM1 ARRIVAL. So we had to rush to get down and then get back in VNAV. Twice I had to take the airplane out of VNAV; and once I had to disconnect the autopilot to make all the speed and altitude constraints. We did not have an overly strong tailwind; yet I had to work very hard to comply with this arrival. We had several distractions on or just prior to the arrival including the First Officer finishing his crew meal close to top of descent. We also had an irate passenger that was using foul language that was concerning our flight attendants which I was discussing with them [to evaluate what level of concern and response was appropriate]. This was a major distraction during our descent. An additional distraction was a strong winter storm and turbulence in the descent. We don't believe we missed any crossing altitudes or speeds; but the reason I chose to write this safety report is simple. I believe the FRDMM1 RNAV ARRIVAL is unsafe. If ATC would let us fly it as charted without interference; and there were no other issues it might not be; but I was near the limit of my abilities trying to comply with the charted speeds and altitudes; and again I had to disconnect VNAV and the autopilot to comply several restrictions. That tells me this is not a well charted procedure.




Synopsis: A B757-200 flight crew; cleared to descend via the FRDMM RNAV STAR; was distracted by passenger problems; weather and turbulence and ATC modifications to the STAR. In order to comply with the altitude and airspeed restrictions it was necessary to disconnect the autoflight and exit VNAV mode. The reporter declared the complexity of the STAR combined with the distractions so disrupted situational awareness that he believes the STAR to be unsafe.