Please find below an update regarding:
- Fatigue Alerts,
- Back-to-Back Operation and
- EWWET
Fatigue Alerts
As you already know fatigue alerts that you receive from crew control are based on a mathematical model and trigger when the calculated alertness level exceed a predefined score. In fact, the actual alertness level could be higher or lower, depending on the real condition of the individual.
We want to reiterate that – according to EASA ORO.FTL.110 – it is the initial responsibility of the operator to manage and mitigate fatigue. It is in the first place the responsibility of the operator to schedule flights already in the planning stage so that rosters are sufficiently free from fatigue. A transfer of this obligation to the respective pilots to decide whether or not they would be able to operate a specific flight cannot be seen as a relief from the principle obligation of an operator.
In case you receive a fatigue alert, we strongly suggest to apply a very high and professional standard determining your capability to safely operate any subsequent flight. Please remember that you possibly might face a situation where you have to justify your decisions.
As we have indicated in the past, maintaining a sleep log, or using the LEAF App, will assist you in making the professional decision. Also, do not forget to file a proactive Fatigue Report when asking for additional rest.
Please click here for additional guidance on how to write a proactive Fatigue Report. If you need further assistance don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via cvboard@alpl.lu.
Back-to-Back Operation
With the start of the high season we see again schedules being changed and pilots e.g. being turned around and having their FODs removed. When flights are not crewed one or two days before, we experience an increase in Back-to-Back Operations that are also causing these disruptive rosters.
In the past we received several reports of pilots who were scheduled for a Back-to-Back rotation and had issues with the legally required hotel accommodation in Luxembourg.
Either, the Company did not fulfil their obligation to schedule a suitable accommodation in Luxembourg or the room was not ready in time or simply inadequate to obtain sufficient preflight rest due to various issues, such as noise, construction works or lack of air-conditioning.
In cases like this we would like to highlight the ultimate responsibility of the individual crew member to report for a flight duty sufficiently rested. Should there be any doubt about your level of alertness due to an insufficient rest period before, it is your obligation to request as much additional rest as you need to accept the next flight duty.
In such a case don’t forget to file a proactive Fatigue Report. Please also make yourselves familiar with ALPL’s guidelines on the use of Back-to-Back operations to assist in lessening the disruptive nature of our current operation.
If you need further assistance in this matter, please do not hesitate to email cvboard@alpl.lu for guidance.
EWWET
We would like to remind you that recently the definition of Eastward-Westward and Westward-Eastward Transition (EWWET) has changed.
In the past Eastward-Westward and Westward-Eastward transition meant the “..transition at home base between a rotation crossing 6 or moretime zones in one direction and a rotation crossing 4 or moretime zones in the opposite direction.”
The change now defines EWWET as “… a rotation crossing 4 or more time zones in one direction and a rotation crossing 4 or more time zones in the opposite direction.”
It has been discovered that in AIMS this rule has not been updated yet. Please be vigilant and make sure to be scheduled for the required minimum 3 local nights at home base in case of an EWWET. This is also applicable for Back-to-Back Operations.
