HC Deb 22 June 1981 vol 7 cc1-2W
Sir David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will bring forward proposals to limit the hours of air crews on commercial aircraft on the same basis as the limit on lorry drivers of eight hours of continuous driving.

Mr. Eyre

No. The requirements governing maximum flight duty times and minimum rest periods of air crews on commercial aircraft are applied through the Air Navigation Order 1980. They have been developed after extensive consultation with all interested parties including the British Air Line Pilots Association and aviation medical experts. The requirements, which are set out in detail in Civil Air Publication CAP 371 "The avoidance of Excessive Fatigue in Air Crews", are kept under review by the Civil Aviation Authority which is responsible for air safety. The authority is advised in these matters by the Flight Time Limitations Board, which is made up of independent advisers and representatives of pilot associations and airline operators.