NBAA Calls for Pilot Rest Rule Changes

The business aviation organization is urging changes to Part 135 rest and duty requirements ahead of FAA reauthorization.

Amelia Walsh

Wednesday, June 07, 2023 at 02:41 PM ET

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In a letter to House lawmakers, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said that “preventing and mitigating [pilot] fatigue remains a universal area of concern.” [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is urging the FAA to revise Part 135 pilot rest and duty requirements in the upcoming reauthorization bill to enhance safety and mitigate pilot fatigue.
Key proposals include eliminating "tail-end ferries"—Part 91 flights that allow pilots to exceed Part 135 duty limits—and mandating detailed recordkeeping for all duty, flight, and prospective rest times.
These reforms are supported by the FAA, NTSB, and an industry Aviation Rulemaking Committee, recognizing the significant safety risks posed by current loopholes and insufficient fatigue management, as highlighted by past accidents.

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The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is calling for changes to Part 135 pilot rest rules and duty requirements ahead of a new FAA reauthorization bill.

In a June 1 letter to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and aviation subcommittee, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen noted “preventing and mitigating fatigue remains a universal area of concern.” He urged for changes to Part 135 rest and duty requirements—namely to eliminate tail-end ferries and to require recordkeeping regarding the scheduling of both duties and prospective rest.