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Fatigue Management

This section outlines the standards for managing crew fatigue and duty limitations at Air Canada Virtual Airline.

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Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS)

Air Canada Virtual Airline’s fatigue management is based on the Transport Canada Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS), which is designed to:

• Scientifically monitor and manage fatigue-related safety risks
• Balance operational requirements with crew rest needs
• Provide a structured approach to identifying and mitigating fatigue hazards

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Maximum Duty Periods

Note: Duty time begins at reporting time (typically 1 hour before departure) and ends 30 minutes after block-in.

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Minimum Rest Requirements

Rest periods must provide the opportunity for 8 hours of horizontal rest.

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Flight Time Limitations

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Circadian Rhythm Considerations

• The Window of Circadian Low (WOCL) is defined as 0200-0559 home base time
• Duty periods that encroach on the WOCL may be subject to reduced maximum limits
• Additional rest may be required after multiple time zone transitions
• Flights scheduled during WOCL should utilize augmented crew when possible

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Fatigue Countermeasures

Approved fatigue countermeasures include:

1. Strategic napping:

   • Limited to 40 minutes during cruise
   • Only permitted with another crew member at the controls
   • Followed by 15-minute recovery period before resuming duties

2. Controlled rest on flight deck:

   • Only permitted on flights over 3 hours
   • Maximum 30 minutes per crew member
   • Only one pilot may rest at a time
   • PM may rest first, then PF if conditions permit

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Fatigue Reporting

Crew members experiencing fatigue that may compromise safety should:

1. Inform other crew members immediately
2. Consider appropriate mitigation strategies
3. Submit a fatigue report after the flight
4. Not operate another flight until adequately rested

Reports are reviewed to identify potential improvements to scheduling and rostering.

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Pilot Personal Responsibility

While the airline provides appropriate duty and rest schedules, pilots must:

• Arrive fit for duty
• Utilize rest periods for adequate sleep
• Manage sleep, diet, and exercise to optimize alertness
• Report for duty with at least 8 hours sleep opportunity in the previous 24 hours
• Not operate when their performance could be adversely affected by fatigue