CC6920

We recognise that no two flights are identical, and while the likelihood of an emergency or medical incident occurring is low, it cannot be completely ruled out. Therefore, we have carried out a comprehensive risk assessment to ensure we are fully prepared to manage any situation that may arise, whether that involves a fire drill, a medical emergency, or handling a disruptive passenger.

Regulatory requirements, together with our own hazard identification processes (which covers all scenarios such as aircraft types, variants, minimum legal crew complements and reduced crew complements in unforeseen circumstances), require us to mitigate and minimise the risk of any safety or security event escalating beyond control. These regulations state that cabin crew must be ready to act and respond if needed. For instance, guidance specifies that cabin crew members taking in-flight rest should be able to return to operational duty and reach their designated cabin stations in the event of an emergency (for reference: AMC2 ORO.CC.205(d) – Reduction of the number of cabin crew members during ground operations and in unforeseen circumstances).

If a safety-related situation arises that necessitates escalation, once landed, crew must communicate with the operations team to ensure appropriate support is provided. This may involve immediate support or roster adjustments depending on the nature of the incident.

Where Class 1 rest is not required to extend the maximum flight duty period (FDP), and crew are on a refreshment break within the cabin during which they are relieved of operational duties for a specified period, they must remain alert to their surroundings. Resting (eyes closed) or sleeping during this time does not comply with the requirements of the regulation. Crew are expected to stay attentive to visual and auditory signals, as well as to colleagues who remain on duty. In the event of an emergency occurring during a break or in-flight rest, the operating crew will assess whether resting crew are required to resume operational duties.

We have planned procedures in place for situations with reduced crew complements, including adaptations to drills such as merging roles during the fire drill. The aim of staying alert and ready to assist is precisely to ensure that if you are required to support your colleagues during a safety, security, or medical event, you will be prepared to do so. Additionally, on longer flights where FDP extension is required with Class 1 rest, the SCCM will liaise with the flight crew to review rest requirements and duty hours accordingly.

When reporting for duty, crew members are responsible for ensuring they are fit to fly and adequately rested. UK Air Ops CS.FTL.A.200 recommends that crew consider arranging temporary accommodation closer to their home base if their commute usually exceeds 90 minutes. Additionally, recognising the challenges posed by shift work, crew are encouraged to follow NHS guidance on best practices for managing tiredness and fatigue.

ORO.CC.205 requires that whenever passengers are on board an aircraft, the minimum number of cabin crew members required in accordance with point ORO.CC.100 shall be present in the aircraft and ready to act.

Alleviation from this is permitted for the purpose of providing in-flight rest during the cruise phase, either in accordance with  ORO.FTL.205(e) or as a fatigue mitigation implemented by the operator. Where this is implemented, specific procedures are required to be described in the operations manual, including for the in-flight rest of the senior cabin crew member, that ensure at all times appropriate passenger handling and efficient management of any abnormal or emergency situations.

Cabin crew on a refreshment break are still to be ready to act in the event of an abnormal occurrence.