NATA Statement on DOT Proposed Rule Governing Flight, Rest
/The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) is pleased that the rules announced by Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Aviation Administration Administrator J. Randolph Babbitt are targeted to address pilot hours-of-service rules for Part 121 airlines and that on-demand Part 135 operations are not included in this particular rulemaking.
While the association supports the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) decision to pursue separate rulemaking initiatives for Parts 121 and 135, NATA remains committed to the need for a revision of the Part 135 crewmember regulations related to flight hours, duty periods and rest requirements.
NATA, other aviation trade organizations, numerous aircraft operators and FAA staff invested substantial time and effort to provide the agency with a comprehensive proposal creating a new regulatory system for on-demand operators that addresses concerns about pilot fatigue.
This comprehensive rulemaking proposal was created through the Part 125/135 Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) several years ago. To date, the FAA has not provided any feedback on the proposal nor has the agency moved to provide a notice of proposed rulemaking based upon the ARC recommendations.
NATA supports the revised pilot flight, duty and rest regulations contained in that proposal and encourages the FAA to take action on it.