Operational robustness ORO.FTL.110(j): How should operational robustness be assessed?
Answer
The operator is required to have measures in place to protect the integrity of schedules and of individual duty patterns.
The operator must monitor for exceedances to the planned flight duty periods and if the planned flight duty periods in a schedule are being exceeded more than 33% during a scheduled seasonal period, change a schedule and/or crew arrangements.
Operational robustness should be measured through performance indicators to determine if the planning is realistic and the rosters are stable.
The operator may measure the cases where a rostered crew pairing for a duty period is achieved within the planned duration of that duty period.
Performance indicators may also be established to measure the following:
- difference between planned and actual flight hours;
- difference between planned and actual duty hours;
- difference between planned and actual number of days off;
- number of unscheduled overnights;
- number of roster changes per scheduled seasonal period;
- use of commander’s discretion;
- changes of schedule carried out after published roster
With regard to operator’s responsibilities, in particular operational robustness of rosters, we also recommend guidance material to ORO.FTL.110 developed by UK CAA.