Flight Time Limitations

Why Fatigue Risk Management (FRM) Must Be More Than a “Tick-the-Box” Exercise

Fatigue is one of the most critical risks in aviation, directly affecting pilot performance, decision-making, and overall flight safety.

While prescriptive Flight Time Limitations (FTL) set legal boundaries for crew duty and rest periods, they do not always reflect the real operational challenges pilots face. This is why BeCA strongly advocates for the effective use of Fatigue Risk Management (FRM)—not as a mere regulatory checkbox, but as a dynamic and integral component of an airline’s Safety Management System (SMS).

Many airlines implement FRM superficially, treating it as a bureaucratic obligation rather than a proactive safety mechanism. However, when properly executed, FRM provides valuable insights into fatigue trends, allowing airlines to adapt their operations accordingly. This includes optimizing schedules, improving crew rostering, and implementing fatigue-mitigating strategies based on real data rather than theoretical assumptions.

For FRM to be truly effective, it must be integrated into the airline’s SMS, ensuring that fatigue-related risks are continuously monitored, reported, and mitigated. This means:

• Encouraging open reporting from pilots without fear of repercussions.
• Analyzing fatigue reports and integrating findings into operational decision-making.
• Applying effective scientific fatigue models and real-time monitoring tools.
• Training both management and crew to recognize and address fatigue risks.
• Ensuring fatigue reports are taken seriously and lead to concrete actions. Ignoring or failing to act on fatigue reports undermines the entire process, discourages reporting, and jeopardizes safety.

The Need for Adaptive Flight Time Limitations (FTL)

While FTL regulations provide a legal framework, they must be adapted to the realities of flight operations. Strict compliance with prescriptive limitations does not necessarily prevent fatigue, especially in cases of long-haul flights, irregular duty rosters, and night operations. A well-implemented FRM allows airlines to adjust duty schedules based on actual fatigue data, ensuring a balance between operational efficiency and flight safety.

By integrating FRM insights into daily operations, airlines can:

• Prevent fatigue before it reaches critical levels.
• Optimize crew scheduling without compromising safety.
• Demonstrate a commitment to proactive risk management rather than reactive compliance.

By treating FRM as an essential component of flight safety rather than a regulatory burden, airlines can significantly reduce fatigue-related risks, enhance operational resilience, and maintain the highest standards of aviation safety.

BeCA remains committed to advocating for real and effective fatigue management solutions that protect both pilots and passengers. It is time to move beyond compliance and embrace a data-driven, safety-first approach to managing pilot fatigue.