At least 18 air carriers are petitioning the federal government to increase the maximum daily flight duty period for their pilots from 13 to 14 hours. These companies, which primarily operate in Canada's most remote regions, argue that existing regulations fail to account for the unpredictable weather and limited airport infrastructure found in the North.

Why are airlines requesting these changes?

Operators suggest that current rules, established in 2020, act as a "one-size-fits-all" solution that does not suit northern flight conditions. They seek greater flexibility to manage the frequent delays common in isolated areas.

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In addition to the daily increase, the exemption requests filed with Transport Canada propose several other adjustments:

  • Weekly work limits would rise from 60 to 70 hours.
  • Total hours worked over a 28-day period could increase from 192 to 210 hours.

What are the safety concerns?

Major pilot unions are fighting the proposal, warning that extended shifts could lead to dangerous levels of fatigue. Tim Perry, president of ALPA Canada, suggests the move is driven by financial interests rather than operational necessity.

Medical experts note that extreme fatigue can impair a pilot's performance in ways similar to alcohol intoxication. Potential risks include:

  • Slower reaction times.
  • Impaired short-term memory.
  • Difficulty assessing risks or prioritizing tasks.

What happens next?

The debate centers on finding a safe balance between operational reliability and crew well-being. The carriers are hoping these changes will be integrated into upcoming draft regulations currently being developed by Transport Canada to provide more tailored rules for different types of operators.

FAQ

Which regions are most affected by this request?

The request is driven by airlines operating in Canada's most isolated and northern regions where weather is highly unpredictable.

How would these rules affect pilot fatigue?

Unions argue the changes would increase fatigue, while carriers claim the flexibility is necessary to handle unavoidable flight disruptions safely and reliably.