With the liberalisation of air transport in Europe a need is seen to harmonise operational and safety standards. As part of this process the joint aviation authorities, of which Ireland is a member, have been tasked with harmonising operational rules including flight and duty time limitations and rest requirements.
The Joint Aviation Authorities Operational Committee are currently drafting proposals for harmonising flight and duty time limitations and rest requirements. The civil aviation administrations of the member states, including Ireland, and associations representing pilots and operators are participating.
The Committee will consider differing views and call upon the knowledge, experience and existing rules in the member states. While I am aware of controversy in relation to some of the issues involved, it would be premature for me to comment until the Joint Aviation Authorities Operational Committee have completed their deliberations. I am confident, however, that the joint aviation authorities would not adopt any proposals which would endanger flight safety.
The EC has no fixed proposals at present.
