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FAQ – Definitions	FAQ – Emergency and Government Sponsored Operations

In accordance with Public Law 111–216, each part 121 certificate holder had to submit to the FAA an Fatigue Risk Management plan (FRMP). A FRMP is statutorily required for each part 121 air carrier; whereas, a Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) is an optional approach to fatigue mitigation.

Under an FRMS, a certificate holder develops processes that manage and mitigate fatigue and meet an equivalent level of safety.

A certificate holder may decide to use FRMS as a supplement to the requirements adopted in the rule, or it may use the FRMS to meet certain elements of this rule for which the adopted regulatory standard is not optimal.

The implementing guidance in AC 120–103 details each component, the minimum necessary tools for a complete and effective FRMS, the steps in the FRMS process and the roles and responsibilities of all the participants.

An FRMS is a data-driven and scientifically based process that allows for continuous monitoring and management of safety risks associated with fatigue-related error.

See AC 120–103 at p.3. Furthermore, an FRMS is an effective mitigation strategy when the organization bases it on valid scientific principles.

AC_120-103A

AC 120-103 FRMS

117.7  Fatigue risk management system.

(a)   No certificate holder may exceed any provision of this part unless approved by the FAA under a Fatigue Risk Management System that provides at least an equivalent level of safety against fatigue-related accidents or incidents as the other provisions of this part.

(b)   The Fatigue Risk Management System must include:

(1)    A fatigue risk management policy.

(2)    An education and awareness training program.

(3)    A fatigue reporting system.

(4)    A system for monitoring flightcrew fatigue.

(5)    An incident reporting process.

(6)    A performance evaluation.

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