Results Could Eventually Impact Aviation Regs For EU Pilots

The EBAA has launched a web-based survey on Flight Time Limitations (FTL) whose input will be used to help develop a tailored business aviation regulation for EU pilots.

Launched in conjunction with Mark R. Rosekind, PHD of Alertness Solutions, this survey targets EU-based fixed-wing business aircraft pilots. To reach the representation required to attest to the validity of the survey's findings, a minimum of 1000 responses from business aircraft pilots inputs are needed.

To date, business aviation commercial operations have been covered by the same regulation applied to the airlines, with some national variations. As from June 2012, a new aviation safety regulation will enter into force and will be applicable everywhere in Europe. National deviations will no longer be permitted. 

As the new regulation is drafted, it is important for the sector to convince regulators that business aviation operations are simply not comparable to airline operations and as such, should not to be covered by the same regulations in the future. European business aircraft operators need tailored rules designed to cover their specific needs, ensuring safe operations whilst providing the flexibility needed to conduct their businesses.

"This study will collect crucial data from business aircraft pilots, which will be used as the basis for customized EU Flight Time Limitations rules," says Brian Humphries, president and CEO, European Business Aviation Association. "The collected data will support and help the community define deviations between safety and operational needs and the existing FTL regulation. In particular, it will be used to provide strong scientific evidence to ensure the safety of business aviation operations from a medical standpoint, as well as identifying potential operational risks."

Whilst the business aviation community's involvement has been outstanding, and EBAA has already collected a very large number of questionnaires completed by pilots from all across Europe, to ensure the study is as widely based as possible, the Association requires more feedback.

FMI: www.alertsol.com/EBAA