The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has brought out a proposal to help fight fatigue among commercial pilots by setting new flight times, duty and rest requirements based on fatigue science.
The proposed rule eliminates the distinction between rest requirements for domestic, international and unscheduled flights.
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The proposal also sets different requirements based on the time of day and number of scheduled segments, as well as time zones, type of flights and the likelihood that a pilot is able to sleep under different circumstances.
The FAA proposes to set a nine-hour minimum opportunity for rest before a duty period, a one-hour increase over current rules.
Cumulative fatigue would be addressed by placing weekly and 28-day limits on the amount of time a pilot may be assigned any type of duty.
Also, 28-day and annual limits would be placed on flight time and pilots would have at least 30 consecutive hours free from duty on a weekly basis, a 25% increase on current rules.
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By GlobalDataUS Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said this proposal was a significant enhancement for aviation safety.
“Both pilots and passengers will benefit from these proposed rules, which will continue to ensure the safety of our nation’s air transportation system,” he said.
