WASHINGTON, D.
C. - The Association for Airline Passenger Rights, (AAPR) welcomed the new federal regulations to prevent airline pilot fatigue issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The new rules are the first comprehensive changes in over a generation to the outdated laws governing airline pilot fatigue.

"Safety is a major concern for every single airline passenger," said Brandon M. Macsata, Executive Director of the Association for Airline Passenger Rights. "We're thankful to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and FAA Acting Administrator Michael Huerta, as well as the pilot unions and especially the families of plane crashes for bringing about these new rules that will make air travel safer for everyone."

The new rules cover varying flight and duty requirements based on what time the pilot's day begins, flight duty period, flight time limits of eight or nine hours, 10-hour minimum rest period, new cumulative flight duty and flight time limits, and fitness for duty.

"Every pilot has a personal responsibility to arrive at work fit for duty. This new rule gives pilots enough time to get the rest they really need to safely get passengers to their destinations," said FAA Acting Administrator Michael Huerta in a DOT statement.

To learn more about the pilot fatigue rule, visit http://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=66449. A fact sheet with additional information is at http://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/.

For more information about the new federal regulations to prevent pilot fatigue or the Association for Airline Passenger Rights, please visit www.flyfriendlyskies.com