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In response to press enquiries today (April 5) on the Flight Time Limitations (FTL) Scheme, a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) said that the capability of today's aircraft to support Ultra Long Range (ULR) operations had necessitated new guidelines to be developed to help avoid the onset of fatigue in aircrew, and that the views of the aviation industry would be fully considered before the guidelines issued under the Scheme were finalised.

"In order to ensure flight safety the CAD has been active in promoting new safety requirements relating to the avoidance of fatigue in aircrews and to this end, the Flight Time Limitations Working Group (FTLWG) was established in 1997. The objective of the Group is to review the existing standard provisions of the FTL Scheme and frame any necessary requirements to cover ULR operations. The Group comprises representatives from CAD, locally registered airlines, the Hong Kong Airline Pilots Association and the Flight Attendants Union, as well as aviation medical experts. It meets regularly to monitor the progress of the FTL Scheme.

"Through the efforts of the Group the new guidelines CAD 371 on the avoidance of fatigue in aircrews has been substantially agreed. The Group has proved to be a very useful forum for the aviation industry to examine the relevant provisions under the Scheme. It will be meeting again on April 20 to discuss remaining issues," the spokesman said.

End/Wednesday, April 5, 2000

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