Research has long shown that fatigue impairs alertness, slows reaction times and weakens decision making, so for pilots, managing fatigue risk is critical to flight safety.
We all want a future where no pilot is expected to fly fatigued, but increased demand for flights combined with tighter schedules and years of cost cutting by airlines has meant more pressure on pilots and greater levels of fatigue.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is responsible for setting the rules (called Flight and duty Time Limitations (FTL)) that determine the maximum time that pilots can work and fly and what constitutes adequate rest periods. However, BALPA is concerned that airlines increasingly use FTL rules as targets to be reached rather than the absolute maximum to be used in exceptional circumstances. The rules and how airlines interpret them are no longer fit for purpose.
The CAA is currently reviewing these regulations, which presents a once in a generation opportunity to ensure that flying remains one of the safest modes of transport and that pilots’ health and wellbeing is protected. That’s why we’ve launched our updated Realtime app to collect comprehensive data from our members about their flights and experiences of fatigue so we can provide decision makers and airlines with an accurate picture of levels of fatigue across the industry.
Flight safety is at the heart of everything BALPA does which is why we have launched this unique data collection exercise and campaign for updated CAA rules and action from airlines.
Download the app and support our campaign
If you are a BALPA member click here for more information on downloading and using our updated Realtime app.
The app is simple to download, quick and easy to use and will provide the data we need to make the case for improvements to FTL and fatigue risk management by airlines.
If you are not yet a BALPA member please click here to join and take part in this important campaign as well as having access to all the benefits enjoyed by members.