My two 'sen' worth
Quote
- duty time reduced from chocks plus 30 minutes to ‘chocks on’
Unquote
The 30 minutes post flight is still there - that's where you add 30 minutes to your ON CHOCKS time and calculate your next duty. That determines the rest you need before the next duty.
The FDP on the other hand ends - ON CHOCKS. They are totally different.
There is a subtle difference between Flying Duty Period, Flying Hours and Duty Hours.
FDP = Preflight + Off Chocks to On Chocks
Flying Hours = Airplane first moves under it's own power till it comes to rest upon completion of flight (This is being disputed factor or not)
Duty Hours = Preflight + Off Chocks to On Chocks + 30 minutes Postflight
FDP influences safety of the current flight whereas Duty Hours influences rest before the next duty.
All 3 cumulatively affect safety and fatigue.
Note the difference where Flying Hours are referred to for 28 day and 12 month periods and Duty Hours are referred to for 7,14 and 28 day cycles.
These are all adopted from the CAP371 - a UK document with changes by EK. I don't agree with all of them e.g. rest in seat/bunk but the main framework remains untouched.
Quote
- a demographic shift in the pilots accepting courses at Emirates
Unquote
Guess economics and exchange rates play a role in this. Hope there aren't sinister reasons involved.
As long as the joiner's are qualified, make the grade during the interview.
