Many crew members report that their employer doesn’t track or record the time spent on e-learning. This raises serious concerns about work-life boundaries, compliance with flight time limitations (FTL), and fatigue management.
We all understand the need for continuous training. But there’s a big difference between self-preparation, which is voluntary, and mandatory training demanded by the airline. The law is clear: when an operator requires training—regardless of whether they label it as a mandatory knowledge test—it must be scheduled as duty time, recorded in crew rosters, and included in cumulative duty limits.
Yet, airlines continue to shift this responsibility onto crew members’ personal time, bypassing FTL protections. This not only undermines fair working conditions but also poses a real risk to safety. European unions are pushing back, demanding authorities take action and enforce regulations with real consequences for non-compliant airlines.
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So far, we are not aware of a single fine issued by civil aviation authorities against airlines that deliberately and consistently bend the rules. Yet, the link between fatigue and safety is well documented—not just by researchers but also by regulators and airline management themselves.
Rules mean little without real oversight. As for our members, the silence has gone on long enough. That’s why FPU Romania is bringing this issue to the authorities. Learning is important, but so is rest and having a life outside of work. If you have any concerns about your employer’s training policies, let us know.
