Flight crews lash EU for failing to address pilot fatigue
Tuesday July 21, 2009
European flight crews are criticizing the EU for failing to tackle the issue of pilot fatigue, pointing out that the US has taken the lead on this perennial issue following the February crash a Colgan Air Q400 that killed 50.
The European Cockpit Assn., which represents more than 38,200 pilots and flight engineers, said the EU has "shied away" from acting on the results of scientific studies that show current rules on pilot fatigue are insufficient and require improvement.
Last month, US FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt called for an overhaul of rules governing pilot duty and rest time (ATWOnline, June 25). An Aviation Rulemaking Committee has been asked to develop recommendations by Sept. 1 .
"Does Europe need a fatal accident too before actions are taken over here," ECA Secretary General Philip von Schoppenthau asked. "Here in the EU, pilot fatigue is the single biggest 'hot potato' safety issue where neither the European Commission nor the European Aviation Safety Agency has shown any leadership to move decisively towards science-based EU rules."
ECA argued that despite the available scientific research, efforts to change the rules have been stymied because of opposition from the airline industry.
The European Cockpit Assn., which represents more than 38,200 pilots and flight engineers, said the EU has "shied away" from acting on the results of scientific studies that show current rules on pilot fatigue are insufficient and require improvement.
Last month, US FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt called for an overhaul of rules governing pilot duty and rest time (ATWOnline, June 25). An Aviation Rulemaking Committee has been asked to develop recommendations by Sept. 1 .
"Does Europe need a fatal accident too before actions are taken over here," ECA Secretary General Philip von Schoppenthau asked. "Here in the EU, pilot fatigue is the single biggest 'hot potato' safety issue where neither the European Commission nor the European Aviation Safety Agency has shown any leadership to move decisively towards science-based EU rules."
ECA argued that despite the available scientific research, efforts to change the rules have been stymied because of opposition from the airline industry.
by Sandra Arnoult
