How soon must a PIC report a deviation from SOPs to the Director of Operations?

The requirement for a Pilot-in-Command (PIC) to report a deviation from Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to the Director of Operations is set to ensure that any safety or operational issues are addressed promptly and documented properly. The correct timeframe for this report is within 48 hours of the deviation occurring. Timely reporting allows for a timely investigation and evaluation of the circumstances surrounding the deviation, facilitating the implementation of any necessary corrective actions to improve safety and operational performance.

This 48-hour timeframe strikes a balance between allowing the pilot ample time to prepare a thorough report while also ensuring that the information is still fresh and relevant for those investigating the incident. Immediate reporting, while it may seem ideal, can be impractical due to the potential operational pressures faced by the PIC. Conversely, longer timeframes such as 72 hours or more could lead to delays in addressing important safety concerns. Thus, 48 hours represents the optimal period within which to ensure accountability and continuous safety improvement.