U.S. Pilots to Get More Rest

DOT releases new rules for US airline pilots to get longer rest periods and shorter working hours

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) released new rules on Friday that will allow longer rest periods and enforce shorter working hours for airline pilots to prevent fatigue and  compromising passenger safety.

The long-anticipated new rules were made to make sure pilots are well-rested between flights, especially those who fly overnight or undertake successive takeoffs and landings.

Airline accident investigators have linked pilot fatigue as one factor in plane accidents, but for decades, moves to change pilots' work schedules have not been successful partly because pilots and airline management strongly opposed them.

The problem was discussed again last year after a Colgan Air plane crashed near Buffalo, killing 50 passengers and crew. An investigation revealed pilot fatigue may have contributed to the crash.

“I think the worst day that I've had on this job in the 18 months that I've been here is the morning that I was watching television and saw the terrible crash that occurred in Buffalo,” DOT Secretary Ray LaHood said.

Hood said that the relatives and family of the crash victims helped in pushing for the new rules to be approved by the administration. “They've given us a lot of wind behind our sails to do what we're doing today,” he said.

Current regulations allow pilots to work overnight shifts as long as 16 hours. Airline pilots are guaranteed a minimum of eight hours a day, but that time off can include eating meals, grooming, and traveling to and from the airport, which leaves less time for sleeping.

Under the new rules, pilots get nine hours of rest and they can only fly up to 13 hours in a single day, instead of 16 under existing rules. Those who fly successively will only be allowed a maximum nine hours of work.

Posted by Sophia Andrews on Sunday September 12 2010, 9:14 AM EST. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0