Split duties at [Airline] for short haul, for example operating to [UK Airport] landing at 22:30, by time check out and get to hotel at least 23:30, but scheduled to be picked up 04:20 the next morning to be on duty at 04:40 and depart at 05:40. So less than 5 hours in a hotel, not sure how it is legal, it’s only 1 leg there and then back but I just don’t see how this is safe to operate on that rest, and the company keep reiterating it is safe and legal. It’s not like a night flight you could prepare for and sleep through the day but this one you have to be prepared to sleep but then it’s not enough rest. It just doesn’t seem safe.
CHIRP Comment
Split duties often result in long and tiring duties with low actual flying hours, followed by an early start the next day. For this reason, they are not popular with crews if rostered often, or at short notice. Split duties are still very much a feature for some airlines and have associated fatigue risks associated with them.
The CAA’s FTL Review, which is expected to cover split duties, is ongoing.
