Flight Time Limitations

The WG was created in 2007, with the aim of working towards the highest, scientifically supported FTL standards in Europe and towards robust fatigue risk management by airline operators. For more information on the aims and tasks of the WG, please read its Terms of reference.

Main issues

Between 2009 and 2013, the FTL WG had been actively involved in the rule-making process and ECA advocacy which led to the adoption of the EASA FTL rules (Reg. 83/2014), replacing the previous EU-OPS Subpart Q. Since the adoption of the EASA rules, the WG focuses on (a) the monitoring of national implementation of FTL rules, (b) the correct & uniform interpretation of these rules at national and company level, (c) on the introduction of robust Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS) at company level, incl. guidance for pilot associations to play an active role in such FRMS, (d) on EASA ‘derogation’ cases, (e) on contributing to EU fatigue studies and (f) on liaising with EU Institutions – especially the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) – on these issues. See also: FTL expertise section (public website).

ECA developed an online FTL Calculator for the EASA FTL rules, as well as a FTL WIKI page which serves our members as a ‘central knowledge point’ for all FTL-related issues and questions (for an access code contact: ag@eurocockpit.be).