U.S. FAA to unveil new pilot fatigue rules

Federal aviation regulators are expected to unveil long-awaited proposals to combat pilot fatigue on Friday, replacing decades-old work rules, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The Federal Aviation Administration aims to have flexible, more scientifically based safety standards spelling out maximum periods commercial pilots can be on duty or sit behind the controls each workday, the Journal said citing people familiar with the issue.

Pilots now can be scheduled to fly for a maximum of eight hours a workday, regardless of the type of operation. They need to be assured of rest after 16 consecutive hours on duty, which can involve responsibilities other than flying, the report said.

The proposals also say that total duty time for most pilots may be cut to between 13 and 15 hours, WSJ said.

Prompted by the crash of a commuter airline flight in 2009 near Buffalo, New York that killed 49 people, the U.S. Senate approved legislation in July that toughens airline pilot training requirements and aims to reduce pilot fatigue.

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