I live on the constituency boundary of 2 wards, one red controlled and the other blue. Outraged by the Simpson FTL proposals, I wrote to both MP’s. Not long afterwards, I received a letter from both MP’s. Both MP’s forwarded my letter to the transport minister and the shadow minister respectively and then forwarded their respective replies back to me. The body of the letters from the transport minister and shadow minister were exactly the same. The style of the reply acknowledged my concern, was dismissive in style and contained ‘cut and paste’ extracts of the ANO stating it was my responsibility not to fly when tired.
I accused the government of sponsoring (CAP 371) limitations that were contrary to their own guidelines on Health and Safety. I informed the government that the new European FTL proposals were more of a political compromise than a well thought out set of rules designed to protect the flying public. I also strongly felt that any new set of proposals should include a scientifically base fatigue index to exonerate flight crew making decisions on their well being when they are least capable of making such a decision due to fatigue. To support my reasoning, I used many of the subject matters posted on these forums. I compared the effects of fatigue to the effects of consuming alcohol. I highlighted all the weaknesses in CAP 371 that operators take advantage of (18 to 30 hours between duties, check in 5 to a limit time etc, etc). I highlighted physiological points like circadian rhythms and the fact that sleep is not an on command function of the body. I also stated the regulations regarding the self management of rest are based on such strong circular reasoning, (a form of bullying?) it is almost impossible for conscientious flight crew to declare them self tired.
You may think that I would be disappointed having spent so much time and effort writing my concerns to the government only to have an ill conceived set of regulations pushed through Europe. I am disappointed about the regulation but by writing to my MP I have registered my concern about fatigue issues.
Many of you feel strongly about these regulations. Write to your MP. Even if the government does nothing, you have the letter for ever and the day Heaven forbid any of you should have an incident in the future but if you have a written to your MP expressing your concern over FTL’s, you could have your first line of defence at the subsequent inquiry.