Pilot Fatigue Threatens Passengers
Posted on 25. Jan, 2010 by Martin Wingfield in Case Work, Constituency News
NICK Griffin has lent his support to British pilots in their campaign to maintain British safety standards in the cockpit and condemned the European Union for interfering in British safety regulations and, thereby, threatening passenger safety.
In a press statement to newspapers in his North West constituency he said:
“MEPs are continuously asked to support campaigns from numerous lobbying institutions, many financed by the EU, directly or indirectly.
“I am pleased, however, to support the European Cockpit Association (ECA) and its fellow associations over the issue of Flight Time Limitations (FTL). This ensures that flight crews obtain sufficient rest between duties.
“From July 2008, EU member states have had to operate under EU-OPS regulation Subpart Q. The UK safety regulations are stricter than those of the EU and the EU agreed that the UK could continue to operate CAP371. This will change in 2012 when the European Aviation Safety Agency takes control of FTL and its proposed rules dilute CAP371.
“Where other states observe lower standards, they gain an unfair advantage over UK operators – all other things being equal.
“The independent Moebus report is a scientific and medical study which has identified areas to address cabin fatigue and this is supported by ECA and its British affiliates and now by me.
“Fatigue causes errors of judgement, poor and slow reaction, lack of concentration and undermines passenger safety. Fatigue is a factor in up to 20% of aviation accidents.
“I oppose the dilution of British safety laws by the EU and see no reason why our operators should be undercut by overseas carriers in a levelling down of standards, with major potential consequences for the travelling public.
“I am therefore supporting British pilots in lobbying the EU to maintain our national safety standards governing aviation safety.”
