Washington, D.C. –Today the Federal Aviation Administration released major changes in commercial airline rules to prevent dangerously-fatigued pilots from flying – changes that originally were scheduled to be announced in August. The new rules limit the amount of flight time that pilots can be asked to work and increase the amount of mandated rest hours.

This development comes days after the Alaska Congressional Delegation wrote a letter to Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs Administrator Cass Sunstein for news, given the delay. In the letter (attached), the delegation wrote:

“Aviation is a primary means of transportation in Alaska…With the statutory deadline passed, and rumors that Flight crew Member Duty and Rest Requirements changes have been proposed, our constituents are eager to know what additional steps will be taken.”

In response to the news, Lynden Air Cargo President Judy McKenzie told the delegation:

“We are pleased that the FAA took into consideration all of the factors required by the rulemaking process in making their final changes and issuing the rule.”

Commercial air carriers have two years to enact the new guidelines.

Source: Office of Senator Murkowski