Disclaimer: This guide is based on UK/EASA ORO.FTL regulations. Always refer to your company OM-A (Part A) as specific union agreements or fatigue schemes may be more restrictive.
1. The Golden Rules
Flight Time Limitations (FTL) exist to prevent fatigue. As a crew member, you are legally responsible for being fit to fly. If you are fatigued, regardless of whether the duty is "legal" on paper, you must not fly.
Duty vs. FDP
- Duty: Any task for the company (Sim, Office, Medical, Flight).
- FDP (Flight Duty Period): Only when you are an operating crew member. Starts at report, ends at "engines off" (on chocks).
Rest Definitions
- Home Base Rest: Min 12 hours (or length of preceding duty if longer).
- Away Base Rest: Min 10 hours (or length of preceding duty if longer).
2. Maximum Daily FDP
Your maximum legal work day depends on two things: What time you report and how many sectors you fly.
| Report Time (Acclimatised) | Max FDP (1-2 Sectors) | Max FDP (4 Sectors) |
|---|---|---|
| 06:00 - 13:29 | 13:00 hrs | 12:00 hrs |
| 13:30 - 13:59 | 12:45 hrs | 11:45 hrs |
| 17:00 - 04:59 (Night/WOCL) | 11:00 - 12:00 hrs* | Reduced significantly |
* Note: Duties encroaching on the WOCL (02:00-05:59) reduce your max FDP by up to 2 hours.
3. Commander's Discretion
If unforeseen circumstances occur (e.g., delays *after* reporting), the Commander can extend the FDP. This is a safety decision, not a commercial one.
The Limits:
- Max Extension: 2 hours for standard crew.
- Max Extension (Augmented): 3 hours.
- Rest Reduction: Can reduce rest away from base, but never below 10 hours.
- Reporting: Must submit a Discretion Report (ASR/MOR) for any modification.
4. Cumulative Limits
Keep an eye on your rolling totals to avoid "burning out" legally.
- 7 Consecutive Days Max 60 Duty Hours
- 28 Consecutive Days Max 190 Duty Hours
- Calendar Year (Flight Time) Max 900 Block Hours