Until now, Business Aviation has been inadequately covered by EU-OPS Subpart-Q for Flight Time Limitation (FTL). As EASA prepares to amend these rules, the EBAA has launched an important Fatigue Factors Survey and will need the input of pilots to support the development of a new EBAA set of tailored rules to be included in the EASA revision.
This crucial feedback will permit EBAA, for the first time ever, to identify and map Fatigue Factors in Business Aviation operations in Europe based on actual experiences and will help us develop a Fatigue Risk Management System to advise flight crews and organisations on:
- developing and maintaining alertness strategies to enhance safety and address crew fatigue factors, particularly during critical phases of flight;
- learning how to better benefit from crew rest, while on duty and off duty, for improved welfare in a win-win process;
- mitigating the negative effects of long-haul flights; and more...
We need your help
In the coming weeks, EBAA experts Capt. Claudio D. Caceres and Capt. Thierry Muller will be visiting FBO facilities throughout Europe to conduct the survey and we kindly request your assistance. In addition to encouraging your crew members to participate, we would also be grateful if you could provide some minor logistical support, i.e., access to your FBO facility, an Internet connection, a table, chairs, etc.
The survey is being conducted in collaboration with Dr. Mark Rosekind, PhD, of Alertness Solutions USA. Dr. Rosekind leads an innovative scientific consulting firm recognized for translating complex sleep and circadian (body clock) science into effective strategies that enhance performance, safety and health. Over the past 25 years, he has conducted scientific research in leading academic institutions and has directed the award-winning efforts of the NASA Fatigue Countermeasures Programme.
To find out when our experts will be in your vicinity, please contact us at info@ebaa.org.
Your cooperation is vital, as "Not enough responses = no scientific evidence = no specific rules for Business Aviation".
This is a unique opportunity to positively influence future FTL regulations!
As always, we appreciate your support.
Belarmino GONÇALVES PARADELA
Manager, Technical Affairs
European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) 17 November 2009