Release #12.22
May 7, 2012

ALPA Echoes European Pilot Leaders’ Call for New EU Fatigue Rules

WASHINGTON – Capt. Lee Moak, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued the following statement of strong support for European pilot organization leaders’ call for the European Aviation Safety Administration (EASA) to issue new science-based flight- and duty-time regulations and minimum rest requirements for airline pilots.

“ALPA stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the European pilot organization leaders who fly for SkyTeam, Star, and oneworld Alliance airlines, the International Federation of Airline Pilots’ Associations, and the European Cockpit Association in their work to make clear the serious safety risk posed by pilot fatigue and in their call for new European flight- and duty-time limitations that are science-based and take into account the perspectives of all stakeholders, including air crew representatives. ALPA pilots also strongly support the European pilots’ goal of new EU pilot fatigue regulations that comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, including those regarding Fatigue Risk Management Systems.”

“ALPA is resolute in pursuing one level of safety across the U.S. airline industry by adamantly urging the Federal Aviation Administration to apply the new science-based flight- and duty-time regulations and minimum rest requirements to all airline pilots, regardless of whether they fly passengers or cargo. Similarly, we urge the European Aviation Safety Administration to recognize and adhere to ICAO’s safety recommendations and to heed European airline pilots’ call to incorporate all stakeholders in developing new regulations that are based on science to enhance the safety of air transportation for airline passengers, cargo, and crews.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 53,000 pilots at 37 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703/481-4440 or media@alpa.org