Brussels, 21/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - Barely has the ink had time to dry on the agreement but European rest time and work time standards for airline pilots and air crews have brought pilots' unions into conflict with some airlines. The European Cockpit Association (ECA), which represents the pilots, has complained that standards were lower than expected. The airlines, through the European Low Fares Airline Association (ELFAA), have rejected all criticism. The debate relates to the new civil aviation flight time limitations (FTLs) adopted on Monday 20 December after a year of consultations by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The decision extends by one hour pilots' (and aircrews') maximum working time in force until now (see EUROPE 9706 and 9834): in general, this will mean that pilots and aircrews cannot work more than 14 hours per day and 12 hours per night, rather than the 13 hours per day initially planned. In a press release published on Monday, the ECA expresses the view that this extension will push pilots to the extent of their strength and beyond safety limits. The EASA has yet to comment. The ELFAA, however, has firmly rejected any criticism with regard to safety. Pilots already operate in line with this regime and the comments of “some pilots and cabin crew unions” are intended to “promote escalating lifestyle aspirations”, says the ELFAA. EUROPE will return to this issue. (A.By./transl.rt)