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Fatigue Management

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

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Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS)

Air Virtual Air Canada 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

Crew ConfigurationMaximum Scheduled DutyMaximum With Extensions
2-pilot crew13 hours14 hours
2-pilot augmented16 hours17 hours
3-pilot augmented18 hours19 hours
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

LocationMinimum Rest Period
Home base12 hours
Away from base10 hours in suitable accommodation
After crossing multiple time zones14 hours or local night, whichever is greater
Rest periods must provide the opportunity for 8 hours of horizontal rest.

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Flight Time Limitations

PeriodMaximum Flight Time
24 hours8 hours (single pilot), 10 hours (two pilots)
7 days40 hours
28 days120 hours
365 days1,000 hours

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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

Next Section: Training & Currency

Continue to learn about training requirements and currency standards