EASA proposal on Pilot fatigue – is safety at risk? Videos

Neelam Mathews

Oct 3, 2012

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has spoken out against an EASA proposal to change flight and duty time regulations for commercial pilots. Balpa says EASA is weakening Britain's safety rules in the name of EU-wide harmonization of rules. The plans are expected to be introduced by the end of 2015 subject to the approval of EU member states.

EASA said the proposals were based on 50 scientific studies and consultation within the industry, including pilots.

According to Balpa, the new rules could see pilots, being on duty 15% more over two weeks, flying longer than scientists say is safe, and spending  30%longer on standby before being called for duty ( as a result, they say they could be awake for over 24 hours).

In an open letter to new Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, US businessman Maurer, whose daughter was killed three years ago, was quoted saying: "All of these proposals risk the safety of the flying public and the pilots who provide these services…. How do you value the loss that would occur if a commercial aircraft crashed into a crowded arena because of fatigued pilots?”

Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority, has said the new rules will benefit UK passengers and will not compromise safety.