Supports 'Safe Skies Act of 2013'

The Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA) has reiterated its support for immediate passage of the Safe Skies Act of 2013 that would end the "cargo carve-out" and help ensure that every pilot is a well-rested pilot.

"As we learn more about the events leading to the UPS crash in Birmingham, Alabama, it is becoming more apparent that separate rest requirements for cargo and passenger pilots is unsustainable, unsupportable, and unconscionable," said Capt. Lee Moak, president of ALPA.

"Pilots who operate in the same skies, take off from the same airports, and fly over the same terrain must be given the same opportunities for full rest, regardless of what is in the back of the plane."
 
Earlier this year, the FAA implemented FAR 117, which established strict rest-requirements for passenger pilots; however, these rules don't apply to cargo pilots. ALPA was fully engaged in the FAA's Aviation Rulemaking Committee regarding pilot fatigue and has long maintained that the new flight- and duty-time limits and minimum-rest requirements must cover all airline pilots. Science-based studies show that all airline pilots experience fatigue in the same ways, regardless of whether they are transporting passengers or cargo. 

FMI: www.alpa.org