Find out about flying fatigue
The European Commission, Directorate General VII, has announced an open call for tenders relating to a study to develop a scientific method to assess the fatigue implications of airline rosters and, if possible, flight-time limitation (FTL) schemes. The Commission recognizes the need to improve the level of safety in air transport in order to maintain its current safety-conscious public image. The Commission is also concerned that the growth in air traffic will be accompanied by an increase in the rate of accidents. Fatigue is currently low on the list of factors contributing to accidents, but data from incident reports is accumulating to indicate that careful monitoring of fatigue is essential to prevent fatigue from becoming a major problem. This study aims to give air operators, the European Commission and its associated expert groups the tools for tailored individual schemes to be tested against available scientific knowledge on fatigue. This would give support for decisions on such schemes and would also be the basis for progressive adjustments to the existing schemes so as to improve the overall EU FTL system. Tenderers will be required to indicate the names and professional qualifications of the staff to be responsible for the execution of the work. The contract will last for 26 months from its signature. The selection of the tenderer will be made on a number of criteria, including: - Proven experience in aviation medicine and research; - Proven knowledge of relevant Community policies; - Proven experience in studies in related fields and general knowledge of the situation, concerning FTL and organising rosters for flight-crews. The relative importance of the criteria for award of this contract are as follows: - Methodology proposed (40%); - Proven expertise of tenderer in FTL fatigue studies and computer modelling (30%); - Knowledge of Community policy in FTL and related fields (30%); - Price. For further information, please contact: European Commission Directorate-General for Transport Unit C3 (Air Safety, Air Control, Industrial Policy and Social Aspects) Mr N. R. Bullough BU33 5/73 rue de la Loi 200 B-1049 Brussels. Tel. +32-2-2968238; Tel. +32-2-2954443; Fax 32-2-2967082