Sir - On the subject of flight-time limitations, the European Regional Airlines Association would like to clarify two points.
Harmonisation through the Joint Aviation Rules (JAR) system is concerned with safety. There should be no place for any linkage between this and discussions between an individual, or his/her union, and the employer.
It is a complex task to bring together regulations from a wide variety of nations. The new JAR OPS-1, which includes the issue of flight-time limitations, will affect very different types of carrier. It is difficult to match the range of operational methods with common regulations. If we fail, then the financial implications for airlines, already struggling to match cost increases with declining revenues could badly affect the very industry which people wish to improve.
MIKE AMBROSE
Director general
European Regional Airlines Association
Woking, Surrey, UK
Source: Flight International