Conference Held To Discuss Best Practices Under Part 117

The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l spearheaded a conference this week to help address problems regarding pilot fatigue. U.S. regulators, airline management, and pilots from around the world gathered to discuss and resolve concerns and best practices surrounding the 2014 implementation of revised flight-and duty-time limits for passenger airline pilots, contained in Federal Aviation Regulation Part 117.

“The best and most important safety feature on any aircraft has always been a well-rested, well-trained professional pilot. Ensuring that pilots are provided with adequate rest is crucial for maintaining aviation safety,” said Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA president. “For decades, ALPA has been working with airline industry stakeholders to identify obstacles and find collaborative methods to mitigate pilot fatigue. While our efforts in the United States have helped contribute to an unparalleled record of aviation safety, there is still work to be done to ensure that the same regulations are extended to commercial cargo pilots and cockpit crewmembers in Canada.”

ALPA has been a leader in bringing together key stakeholders to discuss and resolve problems regarding pilot fatigue and has been instrumental in the development and implementation of Part 117.

“From the start of this journey, our objective has been to include all stakeholders in this very important project,” said Capt. Don Wykoff, chairman of ALPA’s Flight Time/Duty Time Committee. “By working together to discuss outstanding and emerging issues, we are able to find innovative new methods that effectively address concerns and explore better ways to further advance the safest and most secure air transportation system in the world.”

Throughout the two-day conference, participants engaged in discussions ranging from factors that affect sleep quality and the ways airline pilots can mitigate these risks to the effects of irregular operations and reschedules on pilots.

(Source: ALPA news release)

FMI: www.saferskies.ca, www.alpa.org