Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma is about to introduce an amendment exempting certain nonscheduled air carriers from new FAA pilot fatigue rules.  This amendment would permit carriers to require pilots to fly longer hours, stay at the controls longer and return to work after a shorter rest period.

These nonsecheduled air carriers would be certain passenger charters and freight operators.  Specifically, it would benefit carriers such as Evergreen, Atlas Air and World Airways.  It’s no coincidence that carriers such as these carry more than 90% of military passenger traffic and much of their air cargo as well.

Exempting these carriers reduce the costs to the government and this seems to be a case of government making a better deal for itself.  This time, at the cost of pilots.  Pilot fatigue is a real worry and concern and shouldn’t be treated this way in order to get a better deal. 

Two thumbs down to the US Senate for making this move.

Filed under: Airline News by ajax