HR 915 FAA Reautherization Act has passed the House and contains the following language:
SEC. 306. FLIGHT CREW FATIGUE.
(a) In General- Not later than 3 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall conclude arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences for a study of pilot fatigue.
(b) Study- The study shall include consideration of--
(1) research on pilot fatigue, sleep, and circadian rhythms;
(2) sleep and rest requirements of pilots recommended by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board; and
(3) Federal Aviation Administration and international standards regarding flight limitations and rest for pilots.
(c) Report- Not later than 18 months after initiating the study, the National Academy of Sciences shall submit to the Administrator a report containing its findings and recommendations regarding the study under subsections (a) and (b), including recommendations with respect to Federal Aviation Administration regulations governing flight time limitations and rest requirements for pilots.
(d) Rulemaking- After the Administrator receives the report of the National Academy of Sciences, the Administrator shall consider the findings in the report and update as appropriate based on scientific data Federal Aviation Administration regulations governing flight time limitations and rest requirements for pilots.
(e) Flight Attendant Fatigue-
(1) STUDY- The Administrator, acting through the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, shall conduct a study on the issue of flight attendant fatigue.
(2) CONTENTS- The study shall include the following:
(A) A survey of field operations of flight attendants.
(B) A study of incident reports regarding flight attendant fatigue.
(C) Field research on the effects of such fatigue.
(D) A validation of models for assessing flight attendant fatigue.
(E) A review of international policies and practices regarding flight limitations and rest of flight attendants.
(F) An analysis of potential benefits of training flight attendants regarding fatigue.
(3) REPORT- Not later than June 30, 2010, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report on the results of the study.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.