UK: Pilots' union warns airlines' demands could jeopardise safety

In the busiest-ever summer for holidays abroad, Britain’s pilots are warning that they are being pushed to the limit. BALPA says “demanding schedules, lax controls of pilots’ hours of duty and a failure to recruit adequate numbers of pilots” comprise a potential threat to passenger safety. BALPA’s general secretary, Brian Strutton, said: “Pilots want their companies to be successful and profitable and are putting in the hard work to keep up with summer demand. But no one wants pilots at the controls when they are tired. That’s why we are campaigning across the aviation industry to make sure the pilot duty time rules are properly adhered to so that pilots get the rest they need.” The association says increasing numbers of pilots have gone on long-term sick leave as a result of fatigue and “burnout”. <br/>