Originally Posted by JustAMushroom

Looks like some new rules in store for all of us.

Not sure I like the "Big Brother" part of Majors being partly responsible for the training, schedules and pay of their regional partners.

"......Since 1995, the FAA sought but failed to revise pilot flight schedules to reflect modern science on stress, fatigue, sleep patterns and actual flight conditions. Backing from Congress may finally force revisions to current rules, even though both pilots and carriers resist certain changes. A full application of "sleep science" may require that consumers accept the idea of pilots napping in cockpits, or using Ambien and other sleep drugs to help readjust their bodies for optimal alertness....."

"Consumers who demand rock-bottom ticket prices may face higher fares to pay for better pilot training, altered shifts that force more crew hiring, and airline costs for software management systems or new supervisors. "....

The rest of the story..

FAA retool rules to keep pilots trained, refreshed - The Denver Post