FAA announces review of flight rules

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The Federal Aviation Administration is calling on all airlines to review flight and rest rules for pilots as they investigate the crash of Flight 3407.

The FAA, in a letter to airlines and pilot unions, announced an expedited review of flight and rest rules.

Administrator Randy Babbitt is calling on all parties to respond by July 31st.

News 4 aviation anaylst Bob Miller said, "That's a positive step in the right direction. Whether or not it goes far enough it depends upon what kind of policies the airlines implement."

The FAA is also urging all air carriers to immediately adopt a policy to ensure that pilot applicants release any records held by the FAA to carriers.

The actions follow the February 12th crash of Continental connection Flight 3407 in Clarence Center, which claimed 50 lives.

A National Transportation Safety Board hearing last month revealed that the pilot had failed test flights before he was hired by the plane's operator, Colgan Air.

Miller said, "I believe personally, like a police officer who is entrusted with public safety, airline pilots in particular have a public trust. Their records should be an open book to the FAA and to the airline."

The FAA is also making pilot fatigue a high priority by developing a new flight time and rest rule.

The NTSB investigation revealed that Flight 3407's first officer had flown from the west coast on a red-eye before starting work.

New York Senator Charles Schumer calls the rule good news, "In the past, the FAA was off on it's own, and they put the airlines ahead of safety."

Robin Tolsma, who lost her husband Darren when Flight 3407 crashed, says it's a step in the right direction , "The fatigue of a pilot is a number one priority. You wouldn't want your surgeon fatigued at all. Why would you want your pilot fatigued?"