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Flight Time Limitations
What is the issue?
Flight and Duty Time Limitations (FTL) are necessary to ensure that pilot fatigue does not endanger flight safety. Since the 1944 Chicago Convention, it is recognised that pilot fatigue (due to long duty hours, insufficient rest/sleep opportunities etc.) can pose a risk to the safety of air operations. Within the EU, this risk is addressed at two levels. Firstly, by EU-wide binding FTL rules (enshrined in Reg. 1899/2006, Annex III, Subpart Q). Secondly, at company level, among others by sound rostering practices, Collective Labour Agreements, and/or Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS).
How is ECA involved?
ECA has been a long-standing supporter of harmonised FTL across the EU. Harmonisation at the highest, scientifically derived safety level will help to create a level playing field within the EU. For more than a decade, ECA has contributed to the development of Subpart Q, which is mandatory across Europe since July 2008. Apart from interacting with the EU Commission and Parliament on related issues (incl. derogation requests of EU States), ECA works with EASA on the next generation of EASA FTL rules. ECA also monitors national implementation of FTL rules, scientific fatigue research as well as the development of FRMS at company level.
Why is the issue important to ECA?
Due to increasing competitive pressures in aviation, many companies use their flight crews more intensively. To ensure that this does not result in pilot fatigue, strong FTL rules must be in place and be applied effectively. Any attempts to interpret and apply the rules in a way that compromises safety must be prevented. Regrettably, several EU countries used the introduction of Subpart Q as a pretext for replacing their higher national safety standards by the lower EU minimum. Pilots must be vigilant that such safety regression does not become the norm in Europe.
Who is responsible?
- Executive Board Director: Luis Bento
- Staff members: Philip von Schöppenthau, Ignacio Plaza
- Working Group: Flight Time Limitations (Registered users only)
- Chairman: Gustavo Barba / Carsten Reuter
