EASA Fatigue Risk Management Conference

On 4-5 February, EASA hosted the 2nd EASA Fatigue Risk Management Conference with the Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea (AESA), the Spanish Authority in Madrid. There were 140 people attending in person and over 600 people online - coming from authorities and operators. 

In aviation, it is people who create safety. People in organisations create the conditions that enable operational staff to enable safe and effective operations. This means the goal is to enable all our "people" to be able to perform to be operationally ready and fit for duty so they can perform to the best of their ability. 
As with any area of aviation safety compliance alone is not enough, it is important for organisations to understand their risks and mitigate them appropriately and effectively. The key topics discussed at the Conference were:

• EASA Continues to Work on Fatigue: Fatigue is a safety issue identified by EASA in Volume III of the EPAS and the Agency continues to various actions on the topic. The latest research work is in Phase 3, data merging and elaboration of final recommendations - the results will be published later in 2025.
• The Need for a Learning Mindset: Fatigue risk management is a shared responsibility between the organisation and staff. It requires a learning mindset that embraces fatigue reporting and creates a positive culture to talk openly about fatigue.
• Compliance and Risk Management: The goal is not just to be compliant with the rules but to understand where specific risks are to help ensure staff can operate safely and effectively - this can be achieved through an appropriate FRM, either directly in the organsation's Management System (as per ORO.GEN.200) or through a Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS).  
• Staff Look for Certainty in Rosters: It is important to give staff certainty, keeping them engaged with the goal of fatigue risk management, publishing rosters in advance and managing roster changes carefully.
• Mathematical Models and Technology Are Effective: Using models can really help to manage fatigue and identify situations where staff might be more fatigued - operators should engage with staff on the use of such tool.
• Focus on Specific Risks: Every operation is different so it is vital to continually monitor the main challenges specific to the operation such as transition to nights, night flying, route specific challenges, short sectors and cumulative fatigue.
• Common KPIs Could be Useful: Sharing information on commonly used KPIs to monitor fatigue can help operators with effective risk management, support staff communication and assist authorities during standardisation.  
• Use of Commanders Discretion: It is important that organisations and staff understand the use of Commander's Discretion so it is a tool everyone knows how to use effectively and comfortably when needed.
• Training: Staff training is vital, for management, FRM teams and operational staff. Use training opportunities wisely to maximise awareness and establish positive dialogue.