Originally Posted by
markjoy
For running out of duty time, you would definitely be afforded priority, but perhaps not require the RFS. Any doubt over that, you'd be asked.
I don't think "duty time" or the lack of it should ever be used in any call for priority.
If the aircraft commander feels that because of them being on duty for so long, they are unfit to the point that any delay could jepoardise the safety of the aircraft then the decision to divert and land should be made at the first indication that they can not reach the destination with suficient reserves (of duty).
Like passing service areas on the motorway and then falling asleep 100miles down the road!
Pressing on to the destination and then having to make a Pan to obtain priority because of being too tired to ensure the safety of the flight is very poor decision making. Probably up there with having to declare a PAN because of lack of fuel despite having passed several airports with ample fuel facilities.
The days of having to do long enroute holds and getting long delays enroute are long gone in Europe. These days, delays are taken for the greather part on the ground and the pilot should be aware that they will be short of duty hours (or not) at the point of take-off and make the decision then.
Regards,
DFC