On 24 February 2016 Cargolux will introduce the first European Aviation Safety Agency’s Flight Time Limitations (EASA FTL) in respect of a Luxembourg airline.
The introduction of this regulation is happening more than two weeks ahead of schedule. Its purpose is to harmonise flight and duty limitations (FTL) for pilots across the European Union and to bring a series of safety improvements in protecting crew against fatigue. In particular, it comprises a more comprehensive set of rules regarding jet-lag.
The new EASA FTL rules are the result of more than five years’ of work of safety experts representing pilots, cabin crew, airlines, national aviation authorities and the European Commission under the leadership of EASA.
Cargolux has adopted a Fatigue Risk Management (FRMS) scheduling system, which makes use of the ‘SAFE’ bio-mathematical model links it to its crew rostering software. SAFE is an acronym for the System for Aircrew Fatigue Evaluation; a computer programme from UK-based FRMS that includes algorithms to evaluate pilot alertness. Cargolux’s industry-leading system has been validated by a huge airline data set that has been compiled over decades of studies with commercial aircrew.
Using bio-mathematical alertness predictions in this manner allows Cargolux to validate pilots’ schedules against defined fatigue limits at roster publication (phase 1) and ahead of any roster amendments (phase 2); something of a frequent occurrence due to the airline’s flexible customer driven network. A retro-perspective roster analysis constitutes the third phase of the FRMS scheduling incorporating a closed-loop on how Cargolux manages fatigue supplemented by data collection and fatigue report investigations.
Cargolux will engage in a working dialogue with its pilot representatives both in the Fatigue Safety Action Group (FSAG) and the Joint Crew Scheduling Committee (JCSC) concerning safety and quality of life issues. The new Cargolux Fatigue Risk Management System is warmly welcomed by the national authority La Direction de l’Aviation Civile (DAC) and the Luxembourg unions who will actively be participating in this new system.
Photo provided by Cargolux
