Last month was the time where we could post our comments to the revised EASA proposal for future rules on Flight Time Limitations, as you can read in this Cockpit News. Although some welcomed changes were made compared to the first draft Dec. 2010, we still consider this proposal as potentially decreasing aviation safety for many of Europe’s passengers. This is clearly not acceptable. The European Region should be an example to the world that high safety standards are a ‘must’ and that we do not compromise on safety. As you can read several proposals are clearly in contradiction with scientific evidence provided by experts hired by EASA itself.

For this reason we will continue our fight against this insufficient proposal and we will inform you in due course about the actions we will undertake. Our dedicated website www.dead-tired.eu will be frequently updated. Please subscribe to our Dead-Tired newsletter so you will be informed as soon as there is news – and do sign the online petition for safe EU pilot fatigue rules.

We also launched an online computer game on pilot fatigue, which is now available on the  website. This game is a simple way to show you that long flight duties and insufficient rest periods make it more difficult to fly safely. You have to pilot your aircraft between positive rest points and negative fatigue influences. We hope you will enjoy this game and wish you safe and fully alert fights!

Last month, we discussed the quest of Ryanair pilots to get organised as a professional pilot body. I personally met several Ryanair pilots to discuss their wishes and it is good to see that – beyond having aviation safety in their blood –they want to improve their professional performance by working together with the management as is common practice in almost every airline in Europe. Captain Don Wykoff, President of IFALPA, sent a letter of support to the Ryanair pilots to encourage them in their efforts. He also states the importance of a coordinated professional pilot body at international and national levels.

Let me conclude with the hope that the European Aviation Safety Agency, the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Governments of all EU Member States and the European Airlines will stand together and opt for safe European Aviation Legislation – in the interest of Europe’s travelling public.

Nico Voorbach

President