Rules to tackle pilot fatigue proposed, costs to rise by USD2bn

After decades of attempting to change aviation flight and duty time rules, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released its long-awaited, latest Notice of Proposed Rulemaking based on the Sept-2009 recommendations of an Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC). The committee found the job so complex that it not only produced recommendations but also included separate proposals produced by labour as well as cargo, commercial and charter airlines. Administrator Randy Babbitt said all those involved in the development of the proposed rule came to "near unanimous" consent.