Tue, Feb 17, 2009
Airline Wants To Stick To Voluntary Program
As the endurance of modern jet airliners has reached past 12
hours, comparatively ancient FAA regulations regarding minimum rest
periods for flight crews haven't kept up.
In 2006, Delta had scientists study sleep patterns of its crews,
and created a set of more stringent standards which, among other
things, require 48 hours off before shifts as long as 23 hours, and
24 hours rest in the destination city afterward. Delta flies with
four pilots on long-hauls, including two captains.
The FAA applauded the move, and in October adopted new rules for
all airlines patterned after Delta's program. But American,
Continental and other affected airlines
filed a lawsuit in December, attempting to
stay the new rules until the FAA conducts a formal rule-making
process.
Now, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the Allied Pilots
Association, which represents pilots at American, is accusing the
airline of stalling to save money, increasing risks of
fatigue-related mistakes. Delta is asking to intervene in the suit,
telling the court the outcome could affect Delta's, "...ability to
sustain safe and economically viable operations."
Translating, Delta is concerned about two possible outcomes. If
formal rulemaking was to dial back the rest or staffing
requirements for its competitors, Delta would be stuck with its
more expensive voluntary system. If the requirements are increased
to require six pilots on long-hauls, costs would go up for
everyone.
The FAA says it has no intention of starting a formal rulemaking
procedure.
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