28/07/2026
The Fatigue Management Campaign continues throughout July & August. Because understanding fatigue means protecting safety for crews and passengers alike.
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👨🏼✈️Commander's Discretion - A Safety Tool, not a Planning Tool!
Aviation is full of unexpected situations, which is why every crew member should understand their duty limitations and recognize when fatigue may compromise safety.
👨🏼✈️Commander's Discretion exists to manage genuinely unforeseen operational circumstances that arise at or after reporting for duty, such as unexpected weather, air traffic flow restrictions, or technical issues beyond the operator's control.
It is not intended to compensate for poor operational planning or to reduce company costs, such as avoiding hotel accommodation or other operational expenses.
🔴If you or any member of your crew is already fatigued, relying on Commander's Discretion is not an appropriate operational decision - it is a potential safety risk.
❓What does ''discretion'' mean?
In this context, discretion means that the Commander has the authority to determine the most appropriate course of action when unforeseen circumstances arise and standard limits alone cannot adequately address the situation.
The decision to apply Commander's Discretion rests solely with the Commander. It cannot be imposed or directed by the operator, Crew Control, Operations Control Centre (OCC), or any other person.
Commander's Discretion is not a power play — it is a safety responsibility!
❓When may Commander's Discretion be used?
Commander's Discretion may be used to modify the maximum daily Flight Duty Period (FDP), duty period, or rest requirements only when unforeseen circumstances in flight
operations occur at or after the reporting time and are beyond the operator's control.
❗️If you feel pressured to use Commander's Discretion or believe it is being applied inappropriately, report the situation through the appropriate reporting channels and contact your union!
⛔️Know your limits
Every operators Operations Manual specifies the maximum allowable FDP based on factors such as:
1. Reporting time
2. Number of sectors
3. Crew composition
Operating beyond these limits without a lawful basis is a serious breach of the Flight Time Limitations (FTL) regulations.
FDP extension should be planned in advance. The exact notification window is company-specific, approved by the national aviation authority and written in the Operator’s Manual - (OM-A) Ch7. Maximum daily FDP may be extended up to 1 hour not more than twice in any 7 consecutive days.
🕥Crew members also have the right to declare themselves unfit due to fatigue if they believe safety may be compromised.
Whenever fatigue is experienced, a fatigue report should be submitted in accordance with company procedures.📝
❗️Maximum extensions under Commander's Discretion under EASA FTL rules, the maximum extension is:
1. Up to 2 hours for a standard two-pilot crew.
2. Up to 3 hours for an augmented flight crew.
If an FDP has already been extended under ORO.FTL.205(d), the remaining
Commander's Discretion is reduced accordingly.
For example, if a two-pilot crew has already received a 1-hour FDP extension under
ORO.FTL.205(d), only 1 additional hour remains available under Commander's Discretion.
🗣️The Commander's Decision should always be communicated to the entire crew so that everyone understands the operational situation and its implications.
🤔What are ''Unforeseen circumstances''?
The EASA FTL Regulations do not provide a formal definition of unforeseen circumstances. However, ICAO defines them as '' An unplanned event, such as unforecast weather, equipment malfunction, or air traffic delay that is beyond the control of the operator.''
This definition reinforces the fundamental principle behind Commander's Discretion: it is intended for exceptional operational events, not predictable scheduling issues or
cost-saving measures.
❗️Remember: Commander's Discretion is a safety provision - not an operational convenience. When used correctly, it helps manage exceptional situations while maintaining the highest level of flight safety!
👨🏼✈️If you work in the aviation industry in the Baltic States, join the Latvian Aviation Union (LAU).
Have questions? We’re here to help - just reach out anytime!
📝 Join LAU by completing the membership application:
https://mailchi.mp/aviationunion/join
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References:
EASA https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/faq/47599
ECA https://www.eurocockpit.eu/news/commanders-discretion
EURECCA https://eurecca.eu/social-issues-working-condition/use-of-commanders-discretion/
DICTIONARY https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/discretion
