Pilots bring in lawyers to examine CASA role in ULR flights

Qantas pilots have hired lawyers to examine concerns they have been shut out of critical fatigue risk management policy.

Qantas pilots preparing for the second Project Sunrise test flight from London to Sydney on November 14.

Qantas pilots are considering legal action against the Civil Aviation Safety Authority for shutting them out of discussions about a new fatigue risk management system (FRMS).

CASA will play a critical role in whether new ultra-long range flights go ahead or not, based on plans for managing fatigue submitted by Qantas.

But Australian and International Pilots Association president Mark Sedgwick said excluding them from FRMS discussions was a serious policy error.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation recommended that airlines, pilot associations and regulators engage closely to address fatigue risk management but this had not happened, he said.

“AIPA has been advocating for better pilot representation in influencing aviation regulation in Australia, which should be at the aviation safety advisory panel level at CASA,” said Mr Sedgwick. “Our pilots have told us they are very concerned about the impact longer flight and duty times will have on their long-term health and wellbeing.”

AIPA had retained the law firm of former senator Nick Xenophon to explore the framework being applied by CASA for the review of proposed ultra-long range flying.

Mr Xenophon said the current approach was “out of kilter” with international best practice.