September 11, 2010 - Department Of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Randy Babbitt announced on Friday a landmark proposal to fight fatigue among commercial pilots by setting new flight time and rest requirements based on fatigue science. 

?This proposal is a significant enhancement for aviation safety,? said Secretary LaHood. ?Both pilots and passengers will benefit from these proposed rules that will continue to ensure the safety of our nation?s air transportation system.?

Last year, Secretary LaHood and Administrator Babbitt identified the issue of pilot fatigue as a top priority during the Airline Safety Call to Action following the crash of Colgan Air 3407 in February 2009.

The FAA proposes to set a nine-hour minimum opportunity for rest prior to the duty period, a one-hour increase over the current rules. The proposed rule would establish a new method for measuring a pilot?s rest period, so that the pilot can have the chance to receive at least eight hours of sleep during that rest period. Cumulative fatigue would be addressed by placing weekly and 28-day limits on the amount of time a pilot may be assigned any type of duty.  Additionally, 28-day and annual limits would be placed on flight time. Pilots would have to be given at least 30 consecutive hours free from duty on a weekly basis, a 25 percent increase over the current rules. 

Congress recently mandated that all air carriers have a Fatigue Risk Management Plan (FRMP). Each carrier will be able to develop its own set of policies and procedures to reduce the risks of pilot fatigue and improve alertness.  The FAA has prepared guidance material to help the airlines develop their FRMP. (See Flightcrew Member Duty and Rest Requirements)