Q&A
For an unforeseen operational circumstance, who has the authority to extend a flight duty period?
Only the pilot-in-command. The operator can set stricter limits and give guidance, but the decision to extend (or reduce) an FDP for an unforeseen operational circumstance is the PIC's alone.
Turns on: CARs 700.63(1)
When an unforeseen operational circumstance (UOC) arises within 60 minutes of the start of, or during, a flight duty period, CARs 700.63(1) says the pilot-in-command — “if the pilot-in-command is of the opinion” that it could cause unsafe fatigue — may, after consulting all crew members on their fatigue:
- reduce a flight crew member’s FDP,
- extend it beyond the 700.28 or 700.60 maximum (1 h single-pilot, 2 h two-pilot, 3 h augmented with one flight, 2 h augmented with two or three flights), or
- extend the rest period.
The operator’s role
The authority “rests solely with the Pilot-In-Command” (AC 700-047 § 4.71). The operator:
- may provide reasonable guidance and set boundaries that are more restrictive than the regulation,
- may not make the decision for the PIC, and
- has no defined limit in the regulation on how far the PIC may reduce an FDP or extend rest — that’s left to the PIC’s judgement (AC 700-047 § 4.71).
If the circumstance was foreseeable
If the event was known more than 60 minutes before reporting, it is not an unforeseen operational circumstance and the maximum FDP cannot be extended on that basis (AC 700-047 § 4.70).
After the fact
At the end of the FDP the PIC must notify the operator of any change made under 700.63, and the operator must extend the following rest period by at least the amount of the extension (CARs 700.63(3), (4)).