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.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.delta.com