I just left a big meeting at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) about the realities of implementing fatigue risk management systems (FRMS). First, I have to say that I continue to be amazed at ICAO’s new sense of openness. I found myself surrounded by a mixture of industry leaders, regulators and scientists that never would have been allowed through those hallowed doors a few years ago. In addition, we had in our hands excellent guidance material that walked both the operator and the regulator through the process of FRMS implementation. It was especially exciting to see that the material carried the logos of ICAO, the International Air Transport Association and the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations.
But this was not a party to celebrate a roll-out; this meeting addressed real implementation issues. It included a frank discussion about what could go wrong and where FRMS should not even be attempted. It is important to remember that FRMS i…
