Pilot organization continues to voice concerns over sleep laws
September 30, 2010, 05:29 pm
Congress recently proposed new legislation governing the hours pilots get to rest between flights. While some have viewed the actions as a step in the right direction, others have been voicing their opposition.
The U.S. Airline Pilots Association, which represents U.S. Airways Pilots, say the rules do not benefit them. The association asserts that legislation will allow pilots to fly 25 percent more of the time.
USAPA president Mike Cleary says the new rules will not increase safety.
"After a 15-hour work day, the traveling public would reasonably expect their pilots to have an eight-hour sleep opportunity before they return to fly," says Cleary. "Given that human beings need time for nutrition and hygiene and time to wind down prior to effective sleep, the proposed nine-hour rest break is woefully insufficient."
Concerns over pilots' rest isn't a new thing. Last year, an article in USA Today discussed how pilots are not tested for sleep disorders. The article cited an accident where a pilot and his co-pilot fell asleep for at least 18 minutes.
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