Cheat Sheet

Introduction

This is a high-level overview of the Canadian Aviation Regulations relating to fatigue management. Knowledge of definitions is required to understand these rules. You can click on any terms to find further information. The rules below may not apply to you, depending on the operation you work in. Your company may have additional rules that go beyond these rules.  Always consult the CARs for the current rules. 

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Basic Flight/Duty/Rest Rules

Maximum Flight Time

Ref. 700.27

• 112 hours in 28 days

• 300 hours in 90 days

• 1,000 hours in 365 days

Maximum Flight Duty Period (FDP) 

Ref. 700.28

Times are always based on acclimatized time zone. Normally the acclimatized time zone is home base. 

Maximum Work Hours

Ref. 700.29

Any duty or work, flying or non-flying, count towards maximum work hours.

single day free from duty

• time free from duty from the beginning of the first local night’s rest until the end of the following local night’s rest

local nights rest

• means a rest period of at least nine hours that takes place between 22:30 and 09:30 at the location where the flight crew member is acclimatized 

Minimum Rest

Ref. 700.40

• HOME BASE: 12 hours or 11 plus travel time, or 10 hours in suitable accommodation (provided by operator)

• AWAY FROM BASE: 10 hours in suitable accommodation

Additional Rest

When calculating additional rest, more than one situation may apply. Always use the situation that provides the greatest rest. 

Reserve Rules 

Ref. 700.70

• crews must be advised of their RAP:

  • 12 hours in advance if no part of the RAP falls within a crew member's window of circadian low

  • 32 hours in advance if any part of the RAP falls within a crew member's window of circadian low

  • 24 hours notice if a RAP start time is moved into window of circadian low 

• an operator may change the start time of a RAP by 2 hours before and 4 hours after, but advance notice limits still apply

• an operator can not change the start time of RAPs by a cumulative of 8 hours within a 168 consecutive hour period (7 days) unless a crew member is given two consecutive days free from duty within that 168 consecutive hour period

• if a RAP start time is moved past 0200 a crew member must be given two consecutive days free from duty before another RAP

• if RAP begins between 0200-0559 and the crew member is not contacted, the RAP can be extended by 2 hours or 50% of the time in between 0200-0559, whichever is shorter

• the maximum duration of the RAP is 14 hours.

• maximum FDP apply - a crew member must determine which is more restrictive when a flight duty is assigned, maximum reserve duty period or maximum FDP

• maximum reserve duty period does not apply if:

  • 24 hours notice is given prior to assigned FDP

  • notice is not given between 2230-0730

  • no duties are assigned between notice and assigned FDP

• Following a FDP a crew member can be placed back on RAP once FDP rest requirements have been met. The scheduled end time of the RAP does not change. The maximum reserve duty period would be based on the originally scheduled start time of the RAP.

Unforeseen Operational Circumstances

Ref. 700.63

• Any operational event that happens prior to the start of a FDP plus 60 minutes is not considered unforeseen. For example, if the FDP starts at 1100, any operational event (including forecasted weather) prior to 1000 is not considered unforeseen and the FDP can not be extended as a result.

• If the PIC determines an unforeseen operational circumstance has occurred:

  • must consult all flight crew members on their level of fatigue

  • may reduce a flight crew member's FDP

  • may extend a flight crew member's FDP

  • may extend a flight crew member's rest

• Maximum FDP may be extended for unforeseen operational circumstances by the following

  • 1 hour for single pilot

  • 2 hours for non-augmented crew

  • 3 hours for augmented crew and only one flight during the FDP

  • 2 hours for augmented crew and two or three flights during the FDP

• If an additional unforeseen operational circumstance occurs after takeoff during the last flight that is exceeding the maximum FDP, the flight may continue to the destination or alternate airport.

• If an unforeseen operational circumstance occurs after the start of the FDP, the operator may add a split flight duty if the PIC agrees and the change is made prior to the ground rest period. The PIC will not agree to a split after consulting all flight crew members if the split could lead to a level of fatigue that may adversely affect the safety of the flight. See Splits for more information.  

Splits

Ref. 700.50

Delayed Reports

Ref. 700.52

• report time can be delayed if the operator advised the crew member before leaving suitable accommodation

• FDP will begin at new report time if delay is less than 4 hours

• FDP will begin four hours after initial report time if delay is more than 4 but less than 10 hours

• if the delay is 10 hours or more

  • duration of delay is considered rest

  • crew member advised prior to leaving suitable accommodation

  • the air operator will not disturb the flight crew member before a mutually agreed time

• unless a specific time is agreed upon between the crew member and operator, the operator may only interrupt a crew member's rest 30 minutes prior to initial time to leave suitable accommodations or 60 minutes prior to initial report time

  • passive communication (email, text) that does not disturb the crew member is permitted but crew member has no obligation or communicate back or read the communication (emailing a crew member to call operators is an interruption of rest)