WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Aviation Administration is imposing new rules aimed at preventing airline pilots from flying while dangerously fatigued, a move safety advocates have been urging for more than two decades.
The rules issued Wednesday would limit the number of hours a pilot can be scheduled on duty to between nine and 14, depending on the time of day.
But cargo carriers, which do much of their flying overnight when people naturally crave sleep, are exempted. The FAA said forcing cargo carriers to reduce the number of hours their pilots can fly would be too costly even when weighed against the safety benefits.
The FAA estimated the cost to industry of the new rules at $297 million over 10 years. Airlines get two years to put the rules in place.
