Cargo Carriers Post Colgan 3407

          As a result of the Colgan Air flight 3407 accident the NTSB made many recommendations especially in regards to pilot training. One of the most prominent results is that pilots now must have 1500 hours before they are able to obtain an ATP certificate. Some other changes as a result of this accident include better training on how to prevent and recover from aerodynamic stalls including flight simulator training. Also, remedial training for pilot who demonstrates deficiencies in skills tests must be implemented.

   Recommendations from the final NTSB report from the accident include but are not limited to certain airspeed indicator systems being required to have yellow/amber cautionary band, those in commercial operations being required to install low airspeed alert systems, emphasis on leadership training, and address tailplane stall recovery.

       From USA TODAY, "The new rule requires that pilots get at least 10 hours of rest between shifts. Eight of those hours must involve uninterrupted sleep. In the past, pilots could spend those eight hours getting to and from the hotel, showering and eating. Pilots will be limited to flying eight or nine hours, depending on their start times. They must also have 30 consecutive hours of rest each week, a 25% increase over previous requirements."    

       

http://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/reports/2010/AAR1001.pdf

http://www.usatoday.com/story/todayinthesky/2014/01/03/pilot-fatigue-mandatory-rest-new-faa-rules/4304417/

     Currently cargo carriers do not have a specific rest requirement for their pilots if they are flying eight or less hours in a 24-hour period. Flight time limitations for cargo flight crew members are based on scheduled flight time; though operational or maintenance issues can extend actual flight time to an unreasonable length. 

       Cargo carriers were most likely excluded from this rule unfortunately due to money. Another reason may have been the fact that cargo carriers purpose is not to carry passengers so therefore the general public is not as concerned with the safety of the cargo pilots and whether or not they are fatigued. 

       I do believe this rule should be applied to the cargo carriers because who is to say that their safety is not just as important as that of airline pilots, crew members, and passengers. This would not effect my career since the military has its own rules, regulations, and operating procedures.