AskAFAP AI Update
With the recent integration of the Short Haul Agreement into the AskAFAP AI platform (Ava), we thought this was an appropriate opportunity to provide the Pilot Group with an update on the tool's performance and usage.
What is AskAFAP?
AskAFAP is a custom-built AI system, which has access to your enterprise agreements, and other key documents to give you 24/7 access to expert information based on your personal profile, roster and individual settings (provided you keep it up to date). If required, escalation to AFAP staff is available with a simple tap. The AskAFAP app is available on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store by searching ‘AskAFAP’. A set up and user guide can be found here.
Short Haul
Since the introduction of SH on 8th April the following usage data has been recorded:
The data reflects a natural spike in engagement following the introduction of the SH Agreement in April, followed by an expected normalisation in May.
The AI to Human escalation rate has remained stable at 3%, representing only a small proportion of total enquiries and indicating that Ava is successfully resolving the vast majority of questions independently. As pilots continue to engage with the Short Haul content, we can further refine Ava's understanding and improve the quality and precision of responses.
The most frequently queried topic during both months was Rostering, accounting for 31 enquiries in April and 22 in May. Other commonly raised topics included:
- Duty Times
- Pay and Overtime
- Training Credits
- Contactability
- Home Transport Entitlements
The highest level of engagement occurred on the 8th April, the day the Short Haul Agreement was implemented, with 55 users recorded.
Top Query Themes - Short Haul (April – May)
Assignment and contactability confusion (reserve calls vs open time)
Frequent enquiries indicate uncertainty about when Crewing may contact or assign pilots, especially whether reserve callouts can be used to allocate duties on future AV/X days. Many cases centre on distinguishing reserve callout mechanics from the open time allocation process and on which touchpoints (sign on/sign off) create a valid obligation.
Fatigue, minimum rest and FRMS calculations
Many conversations reflect confusion about minimum rest calculations and FRMS formulas (10 hour baseline, equal to duty for 10–12h, and the 12+1.5×(over 12h) rule), discretionary reductions, simulator specific rest requirements, and computing earliest lawful sign on times after long or multi day patterns.
Pay, credits and Minimum Guarantee Hours (MGH) uncertainty
Recurring queries concern how roster credits and pay are determined — including DPC60, passive sim credits, 4 hour AV call out minimums, PCG top ups, long slip credits, divisor/MGH calculations and annual leave averaging. Pilots often seek clarity on whether credits are based on planned versus actual duty and how voluntary or company actions affect MGH entitlements.
Pattern Credit Guarantee (PCG) and protected contact windows
Multiple cases focus on PCG mechanics and protected contact windows: how windows are calculated, whether Company reassignments outside those windows are lawful, the distinction between assigned offsets and awarded open time extensions, and small top up computations. This area generates repeated questions about clause interaction and practical application.
Duty period limits, sector counting and permitted extensions
A common theme is uncertainty over rostering caps (e.g., 12 hour planned limits for certain sign on windows), how deadhead and simulator sectors contribute to duty totals, and the application of in day extensions (up to +2 hours) which require operational necessity and pilot agreement. Users seek clarification on pre planning versus same day extensions and allowed maximums.
Long Haul
Engagement with AskAFAP among the Long Haul pilot cohort has continued to increase month-on-month over the past three months, with May recording the highest level of interaction since the platform's introduction.
Human escalation rates have remained consistently low throughout this period, demonstrating Ava’s ability to resolve the majority of enquiries without intervention. As with the Short Haul cohort, Rostering remained the most frequently discussed topic, generating 209 enquiries across the three-month period. Other common areas of interest included:
- Pay, Divisors and Overtime
- Sick Leave Requirements
- Training
- Rest Provisions
- Contactability
Top Query Themes – Long Haul (March – May)
Pattern protection, offsetting and company assignment practices
Many conversations centred on confusion over pattern protection types (fixed, offsetable, multi offsetable), when lost hours must be offset, and how company assignments interact with protections. Pilots frequently asked whether assigned duties can displace subsequent rostered patterns, how multiple offset attempts are counted, and when protection converts to fixed — revealing uncertainty about clause interaction and company discretion in practice.
Contactability rules, A days/X days and call in windows
Questions repeatedly sought clarity on when pilots must be contactable, the legal effect of making optional versus mandatory call ins, and protections that follow (e.g. the 08:00–14:00 optional call, 14:00–24:00 mandatory call, and 15–4 protections). Users were commonly uncertain about the consequences of calling late, logging into systems versus phoning crewing, release procedures (RM60), and the effect of MBTT on call in obligations.
Sick leave, medical certification and return to duty requirements
Many users seek clarity on sick leave entitlements and administrative requirements: how many uncertificated days are permitted, when a medical certificate or DAME clearance is required, how sick days are credited (pattern pro rata vs divisor/56), and how sick leave interacts with pattern protection and X day treatment. Recurrent uncertainties include the thresholds that trigger DAME and company medical clearance, the documentation required for URTI or carers’ leave, and the treatment of DDFDs/X days that fall inside a sick period.
Minimum Base Turnaround Time (MBTT) and leave interaction
Many enquiries centre on MBTT entitlements after completing flying patterns: how MBTT is measured (local nights starting 30 minutes after sign off), thresholds based on pattern length and credited hours, additional MBTT for excess flight hours in rolling windows, and whether MBTT can overlap or be satisfied by scheduled annual leave. Pilots frequently seek exact start/end calculations and clarification of company exceptions or mutual consent arrangements.
Training: classification, pay/credits and travel allowances
Training related queries concentrate on whether different courses are ‘transitional’ or ‘personal’ training, how simulator/ground school days are credited (Minimum Daily Credit exceptions), when SOT pay converts to SO pay (check to line), and the eligibility and scope of Training Away From Base (TAFB/Option 2B) allowances. Users often question whether overseas simulator phases attract the same allowances, how training days are included in total credited hours, and whether remedial or failure related training changes entitlements.
What this tells us
AskAFAP continues to deliver significant value by assisting pilots with the interpretation and application of complex industrial agreement provisions.
Across both Long Haul and Short Haul cohorts, AI to Human escalation rates have remained low and stable, indicating that Ava is successfully resolving the majority of enquiries without the need for further intervention.
Overall, the results indicate that AskAFAP is becoming an increasingly effective and trusted support channel for pilots managing operational, rostering and industrial agreement matters.
AskAFAP remains available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with oversight and escalation support provided by the AFAP Scheduling Team during business hours whenever direct assistance is required.
Questions and Feedback
If you have any questions or feedback, please contact your AFAP Qantas Pilot Council representatives at qpc@afap.org.au, the AFAP Scheduling Team at qpcscheduling@afap.org.au, or the AFAP legal and industrial team of Senior Legal/ Industrial Officer Pat Larkins (patrick@afap.org.au), Senior Industrial Officer Deanna Cain (deanna@afap.org.au) or Executive Director Simon Lutton (simon@afap.org.au).
Regards,
Kylie & Grace, your AFAP Scheduling Team.