FOUNDATIONS OF AN AIRLINE FRMSCAPTAIN NILESH PATIL
HEAD FLT OPS SAFETY, SECURITY & QUALITYATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED

29 JAN 2021
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Agenda• About me• Setup in Singapore Airlines• Benefits of implementing FRM & FRMS
• Relationship between FRMS & SMS• Importance of data driven approach• Fatigue reporting• The FRMS Journey
ATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED2

Setup in Singapore Airlines

ATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED3

Departments & People
FLT OPS SAFETY DEPARTMENT

CREW OPS & PLANNING• Primary coordinator for FRM activities in Flt Ops• In-charge of rostering & manpower planning• Fatigue Report analysis• Assists with Roster analysis using BMM• Roster analysis• Presenting fatigue-related risks to senior mgmt

• Responsible for mitigations along with fleet mgmt.

• Quarterly report on Fatigue to regulator
CORPORATE SAFETY DEPTARTMENTAIRLINE PILOT’S ASSOCIATION (ALPA-S)• Management of Fatigue Reports• Part of the Fatigue SAG• De-identifying fatigue reports• Communication/feedback to and from crew

• Chair of the Fatigue SAG

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Committees & Meetings
MONTHLY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING

BI-MONTHLY FATIGUE REVIEW MEETING• Chaired by SVPFO• Chaired by VP Corporate Safety• All Flight Ops is represented including fleet mgmt

• Tri-partite meeting between Corporate Safety,
Flight Ops Safety & ALPA-S• All fatigue reports and trends reviewed

ATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)

SCHEDULING COMMITTEE

Quarterly Meeting with Regulator• Main forum for reviewing generalrostering practices• Meeting to review Safety
Performance (SMS)• Issues from the Fatigue Review
Meeting are escalated here

• Fatigue trends are reviewed© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED• Quarterly Continuous Monitoringof Fatigue report is set to CAAS

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Benefits of Implementing FRMSATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED6

FRMS – A performance-based Approach

A data-driven means of continuously monitoringand maintaining fatigue related safety risks,
based upon scientific principles and knowledge
as well as operational experience that aims toensure relevant personnel are performing atadequate levels of alertness.
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Operational Knowledge& Experience

Scientific Principles•

The need for adequate sleep•

Sleep loss & recovery•

Circadian effects on sleep &performance•Contribution of workload

ATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)•

Non-scientific knowledge acquired
through conducting specificoperations over time•

Hands-on experience in managing
fatigue in those specific types ofoperations•Organizational culture – likely
behavior & customs in the workforce© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED8

Current status• Fatigue management in most airlines is predominantly prescriptive• Within prescriptive limits = SAFE
• Outside limits = UNSAFE• This we know from experience is NOT ALWAYS TRUE.
• Without a proper system in place, fatigue hazards within aprescriptive application can go undetected and unaddressed.
• Fatigue risk needs to be managed in a systematic and scalable
manner.
ATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED9

However, the three terms are often used loosely

FMFatigue
Management

ATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)

FRM

FRMS

Fatigue Risk
Management

Fatigue Risk
ManagementSystem© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITEDManaging fatigue
risks using an SMS
within Prescriptivelimits only

Operator sets limits
which are thenapproved byRegulator

10FATIGUE MANAGEMENT vs FRMSDO YOU NEEDFRMS?

DO YOU NEED FM
OR FRM?

MAYBE

MOST DEFINITELYATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED

WHAT IS THE
DIFFERENCE?

11FM/FRM vs FRMS
FM/FRM

FRMS

Within Prescriptive Limits

Operator can set limits based on
operational needs and mitigations

Regulatory approval not required

Regulatory approval is required

May be managed under existing SMS using
existing resources

Requires additional resources andcapabilities

Basic fatigue management training may besufficientComprehensive FRMS training

Easier for regulator to provide oversight

Regulatory oversight is more challenging

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Knowledge of fatigue risk exposure is afundamental element of business model

Benefits ofFRMS

FRMS gives a measure of risk exposure. It
is in the commercial interests of operators
to understand the nature of fatigue riskand manage it effectively for continued
safe operation and viability in thecommercial environment.
Provides equivalent safety with greater
operational flexibility than prescriptive
Flight/Duty Time Limitations.

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Benefits of FRM/FRMS
Takes into account known variables that affect sleep andalertness which prescriptive flight/duty limits may notaddress.
Is data driven to reflect unique and changing airline factors.
Incorporates the management of operational fatigue risk intoa proactive and accountable SMS framework.

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EFFECTIVE
FATIGUEMANAGEMENTSAFETY

A BALANCING ACTATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED

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Relationship between
SMS & FRMSATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED

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SMS & FRMS
 FRMS processes are very similar to SMS ones
 Main difference is that SMS address all kinds of risks, and FRMS is specifically designed to manage only FATIGUE RISKS A specialized process to manage the hazard of crew member Fatigue
 FRMS must also••

Identify and assess potential risk prior to conducting operations under FRMS
Identify and Assess actual fatigue risk proactively during operations

 Attempts to achieve a balance between Safety & Productivity Cost

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Commonality with SMS
POLICY & OBJECTIVESManagement commitment andresponsibility
Safety accountabilities
Appointment of key safety personnel
Emergency response planning
SMS documentation

SAFETY PROMOTIONRISK MANAGEMENT
Hazard identification
Risk assessment and mitigation

0102

POLICYRISK MGMTPROMOTIONASSURANCE

04

03

Training and education
Safety communication

ATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED

SAFETY ASSURANCE
Safety performance monitoring andmeasurement
The management of change
Continuous improvement of the SMS

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FRMS Components
Fatigue Risk
Management
Processes

FRMS Policy andDocumentation

FRMS Promotion
Processes

ORGANIZATIONALATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)

FRMS Safetyand Assurance
Processes

SUPPORTS© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITEDOPERATIONAL
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Managing fatigue under SMS
 In most airlines, fatigue would be managed under the existing SMS.
 This would allow for the use of existing resources, processes and people.
 If existing and planned operations are comfortably possible within theexisting prescriptive regulations, then an FRMS may not be necessary.
 Fatigue management processes can be incorporated into existing SMS

ATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED20

Data-driven Approach

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Data for FRMS
Fatigue Reports

PVT

FTL Extensions

CRFD Usage

Roster Data

MC rates

Bio-mathematical Modeling
Actigraphyand more….

Surveys
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Fatigue Management Process

riskdata• Fatigue Reports•• Roster Analysis•• Commander’sDiscretion• Bio-mathematicalmodelling
ATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)••

Knowledge of•operations
Existing
mitigations
Risk assessment
tools
Biomathematicalmodelling

mitigatemonitorreportMitigate if
required• Fatiguereports• Report tointernal
stakeholders© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED• Anecdotal
feedback• Line events• Report toRegulator

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Assessment“A physiological state of reduced
mental or physical performancecapability resulting from sleep
loss or extended wakefulness,circadian phase, or workload(mental and/or physical activity)that can impair a crew member’salertness and ability to safely
operate an aircraft or perform
safety related duties”
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Assessment of Current Fatigue

Acceptability of Fatigue Factors after
mitigation

Frequency of Exposure percrew member
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ATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED

26Biomathematical Modelling of Fatigue
Analysing new pairings
Analysing roster strings
Mass analysis of entire
schedules

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FatigueDistribution

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Process for whoto activate fromstandby

BMM analysis

Review Pairing
issues

Review roster
stringingissuesATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)

Pre-publishedroster analysis

Fatigue Reportanalysis
Monitor usageof CMDR’s
discretion© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED

Actualised(flown) roster
analysis

Safety Eventinvestigation

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Fatigue Reporting

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Hazard Identification

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Fatigue Reports

Fatigue reports are the most common way of receiving reactivefeedback
TOO FEW FATIGUE REPORTS

TOO MANY FATIGUE REPORTS

REPORTING CULTURE NOT GOOD

GOOD REPORTING CULTURE

MAYBE LESS FATIGUE

FATIGUE IN OPERATIONSATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED32

Fatigue reporting is the easiest and the most common way ofreceiving reactive feedback on fatigue hazards
TOO MANYREPORTSZERO REPORTS

POSSIBLE ISSUE
WITH REPORTING
CULTUREATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)

POSSIBLE ISSUE
WITH FATIGUE IN
OPERATIONS© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED

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Have

How toimprove
Fatigue
ReportingEmphasize that the company
expects crew to report Fatigue
Emphasize
hazards (newsletters,dialogues, promotion)

Acknowledge
ATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)

Have a clear process forreporting Fatigue (existing SMSchannels?)

Acknowledge receipt of thereport providing feedback tothe reporter.

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Take

How toimprove
Fatigue
Reporting

ATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)

Take appropriate actions inresponse to the report inaccordance with stated policy

Maintain the integrity of theMaintain reporting system (confidentiality)

Provide feedback to crew onchanges made in response toProvide identified fatigue hazards (orexplain why something was notchanged).

© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED35

THE JOURNEYATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED36

FRMS Journey
Basic Fatigue
Management
Training
Functioning
SMS
ManagementCommitment

Safety reporting
system based onjust principles
Sufficientcrew numbers

Start with theRight Intention

Communicate(Upwards,Downwards &Sideways)
AllocateResources
Establish
SPI/KPIs

Robust Risk management /Risk escalation processes

Scientific studies

Realtime fatigue-monitoring

Proactive surveys /data-collection
Routine useof BMM

Link FM to FDM / LOSA
Proactive screening/diagnosis
of sleep disorders

FRMS
Training

AssignAccountability
Establish tasks

Foundation
Start small

Use of actigraphy

BasicsGrow

Fatigue Risk Management Systems

Intermediate

Advanced

Many new concepts andmechanisms implemented in thecompany.

FRMS in steady state andfunctioning smoothly© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED37

FRMS Journey“Aim for an evolution…not a revolution”

FoundationBasics
StrongerFatigue Risk Management Systems

Intermediate

Advanced

Many new concepts andmechanisms implemented in thecompany.

FRMS in steady state andfunctioning smoothly© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED38• Engage all stakeholders and be clear in yourcommunications• Implementation is a series of small victories, don’ttake on more than you can achieve• An organization’s FRMS/SMS form part of thecompany business management system and is not astandalone compliance framework

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• Be persistent and disciplined in yourapproach, believe in what you are doing• Work with the regulator and employee
groups and keep them informed• Ensure the senior management team areaware of what risk they own and carry. Thesafety managers do not own the risk or theintervention• You are not alone in this. Many resources
are available (IATA FMTG, FRMS Forum)
ATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED40

JOINTLY PRODUCED BY:
INDUSTRYOPERATORSSTATESREGULATORSWORKFORCE
CREW MEMBERSATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED41

STORY OF WORLD’S

LONGEST FLIGHT

20 HRSATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED42

STORY OF WORLD’S

LONGESTFLIGHT• Unheard of duty time limits. Not possible under prescriptiverules.
• Maximum FTL was 18 hours for double crew operations.
• Support of ALPA-S.
• Support of Regulator (CAAS)• Help from the scientific community (Massey University NZ).

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STORY OF WORLD’S

LONGEST
FLIGHT• New risks requiring unique mitigations based on science:Pre-flight rest considering acclimatization to baseSplit in-flight rest to allow for better quality & opportunity for sleep
Sufficient rest during layover to recover but limit acclimatization
Post-flight rest to recover and reacclimate
Flexibility in handling delays & disruptions. (On a SIN-LAX flight, an in-flight diversion toHong Kong vs a Russian airport in the North Pacific vs San Francisco each presents a veryunique set of circumstances and operational challenges)ATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED44

STORY OF WORLD’S

LONGESTFLIGHT• Singapore – Los Angeles launched successfully 3rd February 2004.
• Followed by Singapore – Newark• And more recently Singapore – San Francisco• And even more recently Singapore – Seattle• Today many operators have similar flights, and such flights are consideredalmost routine

LAX
ATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)

EWR

SFO

© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITEDSEA45SHARED RESPONIBILTY
FOR ACHIEVING A COMMON GOALCOMMONGOAL

CREW / UNIONSATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED46

Captain Nilesh PatilThank You
ATEC FRMS Workshop (29 Jan 2021)

NileshM_Patil@singaporeair.com.sg
nileshp@gmail.com© SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED47