Representing 38.650 professional pilots from 38 European countries, ECA has been a long-standing supporter of harmonised Flight Time Limitations across the EU. Harmonisation at the highest, scientifically derived safety level is required to keep European aviation safe, to protect passengers, and to help create an EU-wide level playing field.

As the need for changes to Europe’s FTL rules has been scientifically demonstrated, ECA insists that the EU’s current FTL rules are replaced by safe, science-based fatigue prevention rules.

EASA’s NPA proposal of Dec. 2010 is not a credible basis for such rules, as it disregards decades of scientific evidence and would reduce safety standards in many parts of Europe. (see “EASA’s Future FTL Rules – NPA” and ECA Press Release)

Therefore, the NPA must be substantially revised, be put on a solid medical and scientific basis, and aligned with the safety levels of existing state-of-the art FTL rules, best operational safety practices, and be put in conformity with ICAO standards.