Moak Agrees Cargo Pilots Should Not Be Exempt

In a recent public statement, NTSB Chair Deborah A.P. Hersman said that the crews of cargo planes should not be exempt from new rules governing crew rest. That position drew a supportive response from ALPA President Capt. Lee Moak Thursday.

Capt. Lee Moak

“The Federal Aviation Administration, the airlines, and airline labor have mounted a supreme effort to break through the roadblock that has stalled modernization of flight- and duty-time regulations and minimum rest requirements for airline pilots for more than five decades," Moak said. “Together, we have created a proposal for modern, science-based regulations that reflect today’s operating environment while providing airlines with scheduling flexibility and giving pilots the opportunity to get the rest they need to deliver on their commitment to achieve the highest possible levels of safety.

“The public statement of unequivocal support for standard regulations from the chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board makes clear the opportunity we have to enhance safety in our industry. In addition, it puts sharp new focus on the serious threat posed to all who depend on air transportation by an amendment that was included in the U.S. House FAA reauthorization bill to exempt airline operations such as all-cargo carriers from these science-based regulations.

“Conclusive science and common sense make it clear that airline pilots’ bodies don’t consider whether their plane is transporting pallets of cargo, military equipment or troops, or commercial passengers when it comes to feeling fatigued. All airline pilots are humans, and all airline operations must seek to achieve the highest standards of safety.

“The Administration must act immediately to put in place standardized flight- and duty-time regulations that apply to all airline pilots. Our industry cannot put a price on safety, and cost cannot be allowed to become a barrier to advancing it.”

FMI: www.alpa.org