New pilot-fatigue rules criticized

In Canada, new rules to combat airline pilot fatigue have been criticised by unions and airlines that are predicting an expensive pilot shortage and shortcomings on safety. The proposed federal regulations would cut the number of consecutive hours pilots are allowed to fly from 14 to between nine and 13, depending on what time of day the flight takes off. The regulations would also increase the amount of rest time pilots must take between flights and reduce the annual number of hours pilots can fly to 1,000 from 1,200, bringing Canada more in line with international aviation standards. “Pilots, who