FAA proposes more rest time for pilots

Airlines may need to hire more pilots to allow pilots to enough time to rest between work shifts, The Los Angeles Times reported Saturday.

The study of pilot fatigue was prompted by a crash near Buffalo, N.Y., last year that killed 50 people during a regional flight. At the time it was noted that pilots frequently fly hundreds of miles, as commuters, just to make it to their next flight assignment, cutting down on the time they have to actually sleep.

The rules proposed mandate an allowance for commuting time and for settling in, requiring pilots be given nine hours of time off above and beyond the time it takes them to get to their place of residence, including hotels if they are away from home.

"This proposal will protect the 700 million airline passengers who fly every year. The Colgan crash families were a strong advocate for the new rules," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood at a news conference.

The proposals also set new caps on daily, weekly and monthly hours pilots would be allowed to work, starting with a minimum of 30 consecutive hours of time off each week, 25 percent more than the current mandate, the newspaper said.

The rules require a lengthy public comment and review process. The FAA could take until Aug. 1, 2011 to finalize approval of the new rules.

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