Fatigue Fighting Proposals
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a new rule to help prevent commercial pilots from flying while fatigued.
The proposal would establish new limitations for flight and duty time, and new rest requirements — all based on fatigue science, the FAA said.
“After years of debate, the aviation community is moving forward to give pilots the tools they need to manage fatigue and fly safely,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt, noting that updated rules are needed because of changes in the operations of the global aviation system.
The FAA said the proposed rule would establish a nine-hour “minimum opportunity for rest” before a duty period begins; current rules prescribe an eight-hour period.
The proposal also would “establish a new method for measuring a pilot’s rest period so that the pilot can have the chance to receive at least eight hours of sleep during the rest period,” the FAA said. “Cumulative fatigue w…
