Updated Commander’s Discretion Guide
The European Cockpit Association (ECA) is launching a campaign addressing pilot fatigue during the high-demand summer period. The aim is to support pilots in exercising their legal right to operate only when fit, and to reinforce correct use of operational safeguards.
Fatigue management is a shared responsibility. Pilots are reminded to report fatigue and use Commander’s Discretion only in exceptional cases, not as a routine measure. Systemic misuse should be reported via proper channels, including national authorities or EASA’s Confidential Safety Reporting system.
Commander’s Discretion Guide by ECA
Key Points
Purpose: Commander’s Discretion allows pilots to extend or reduce flight duty time in exceptional, unforeseen circumstances to maintain safety.
Not for routine use: It should never be used as a regular fix for poor scheduling or airline operational failures.
Captain’s authority: Only the captain (commander) can decide to apply discretion after assessing the crew’s fitness and safety.
Consultation required: The captain must consult with the crew before exercising discretion.
Safety first: If extending duty compromises safety or alertness, discretion should not be used.
Dual use: Discretion can be used both to extend duty time or reduce it, for example, if fatigue unexpectedly arises.
Reporting: Any pressure to misuse discretion or systematic abuse should be documented and reported to the union or relevant authorities.
Last resort: Commander’s Discretion is a safety and flexibility tool, not an operational workaround.
👉 The full article is available here.