Their union, the Independent Pilots Association, filed a lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration one day after the new rules for passenger airline pilots were announced. Cargo carriers are exempt from the rules. The union wants the court to tell the FAA to reconsider including them, too," reports the AP via Yahoo.
In spite of not being included in FAA regulations, it is hoped that UPS and other cargo carriers will voluntarily adopt the same standards for their pilots. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood intends to meet with representatives from the top cargo carriers to encourage them to do so.
For their part, UPS appreciates being excluded from the ban even if their pilots do not. A spokesman for the company has indicated that "One size has never fit all when it comes to crew rest regulations. UPS believes the FAA has recognized this fact and made an appropriate decision in its new rule."
Pilot Fatigue and Work Injury
Pilots have a high-stress work environment due to the number of lives they are responsible for transporting during one shift and the fact that one error can have catastrophic consequences. For this reason, it is particularly important that pilots are well rested and in good shape to avoid work injury. In addition to getting enough sleep between shifts, it is also recommended that pilots take the following steps to avoid fatigue while piloting aircraft:
• Stay hydrated - water is best
• Eat high protein meals and snacks to keep energy up, avoiding sugary items
• Stretch and move about the air craft from time to time if possible
• Control the temperature in the flight deck, keeping it cool to stay alert
• Drink beverages with caffeine for a boost of energy if necessary
• Converse with other crew members
DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Dworkin & Maciariello shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.
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