Pilots warn CASA of legal obligation to consult on fatigue

Qantas pilots fear they will be stuck with unsafe rosters and maximum flying limits if the CASA approves FRMS changes.

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

Qantas pilots fear they will be stuck with unsafe rosters and maximum flying limits if the Civil Aviation Safety Authority signs off on permanent changes to fatigue risk management at the airline.

The Australian and International Pilots Association has not ruled out taking legal action against CASA, which is expected to rule soon on a trial undertaken by Qantas.

Under the new fatigue risk management system (FRMS) pilots’ length of duty may be increased from 18 to 20 hours, which AIPA opposes.

AIPA president Mark Sedgwick said CASA had failed to adequately consult with pilots on the new FRMS, which was not only disappointing but in breach of the regulator’s legal and safety responsibilities.

“We have requested CASA reconsider their decision to approve the trial of Qantas FRMS and withhold approving a permanent system until the concerns of AIPA, and our Qantas pilot members, have been properly considered,” said Mr Sedgwick.

“To ensure the safety of the travelling public the regulator, the airlines and pilots need to be in agreement that all reasonable risks are being properly managed.”

AIPA vice-president and safety and technical director Shane Loney said it was “vitally important that CASA fully assess all aspects of pilot fatigue including consultation with pilots before approving a full FRMS for Qantas”.

“To do otherwise will put aviation safety at risk,” Captain Loney said.

It could also have implications for Qantas’s proposed ultra-long-range Project Sunrise flights, which require a new agreement with pilots before going ahead.

Former federal senator Nick Xenophon, whose firm Xenophon Davis is providing legal advice to AIPA, said it was a “troubling process for Australian travellers”.

“It appears that CASA is protecting the commercial interests of airlines at the cost of genuine health and safety conditions,” Mr Xenophon said.

“We need to have faith in the decision-making process.”

A CASA spokesman said they were aware of AIPA’s concerns and were working through them.

He said the Qantas trial was due to end next month, after which CASA would consider the results in the context of the risk to aviation safety.

“Data gathered from this trial will enable informed discussion with relevant stakeholders as to potential fatigue risks,” said the CASA spokesman.