Brussels, 23/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) and the European Cockpit Association (ECA) are keeping up the pressure over the new flight time rules that they desperately want MEPs to reject when, as part of the comitology procedure, the transport committee (TRAN) debates them on 30 September. The two associations have again argued that, if adopted, the Commission proposals would diminish air safety, as they fail to take account of the scientific evidence on pilot and aircrew fatigue. Among the most striking examples is that of an 11 to 12-and-a-half hour night-time flight being allowed, even though scientific experts consistently recommend a maximum of 10 hours as being the safe limit. “MEPs have a democratic mandate and it is time for them to say 'stop'”, said François Ballestero of the EFT in a press release on Monday. “The only thing they need is five minutes of political courage to dare to reject the Commission proposal, so it can be improved in line with what Europe's citizens expect”, he went on to say. An amendment calling for rejection has been put down by Greens and GUE MEPs. (MD/transl.fl)