So Who Cares?
RBA General Flight Operations Notice no 038/2003 issued by the Dir of Flight Ops 28/03/03 states "It is becoming common for some pilots to arrive at briefing for flying duties tired and deshevelled. The current schedules are demanding and often have only minimum rest periods; they are likey to remain so in the future."etc
In Feb/04 a Senior Captain was so fatigued he had cause to write to the DFM 767 (cc to various others) and among other issues wrote:
"The Company Operations Manual SOP section states that "The primary task of either pilot is to fly the aeroplane". Likewise the primary task of Management must also be to manage. While management positions may be seen by some as "good little earners" or a way of escaping current roster patterns, proper management nevertheless remains an onerous responsibility and duty that should remain foremost in the minds of all managers, ever aware that they are subject to rules laid down in Conventions, Orginisations, Safety Boards, AOC's, Directives, Certifications, Aviation Law and various others volumes. It is a requirement of any Flight Operations Department to always keep its airline on the right side of a safe operation, being aware of the grave consequences for failing to do so.
These responsibilities are usually only brought into focus when a Board of Enquiry is charged with looking into an accident. At that time it is imperative that a company or its officers avoid the charge of negligence; upon that word lies a company and/or an individual's future. If deemed negligent the Board of Enquiry has the power to fine or imprision or both. Each survivor or relative of a victim is also capable of bringing an individual suit upon anyone so deemed; instant loss of career, fined into poverty for life and/or possible imprisonment. The Flight Safety Foundation definition of safety ends with the warning that "safety is often unsung until it is absent".
It is now October of 2005. What may I ask has Flight Operations done to reduce the Fatigue on the 767 fleet and improve the lifestyle to improve the moral etc etc.? Nothing. The DFO has neglected his duties and has allowed the airlines standards to tumble.
So who cares?
The Board of Directors know little about aviation and safety. More importantly they should know how safety is achived or maintained. With the present levels of fatigue and chronic lack of experiance in the crews, RBA is heading for an accident. Action is required NOW.
Investigate why so many experianced pilots have left over the last few years. Ask the pilots, not the DFO and his 767 managers who are the cause of many of them leaving and who care not.