Brand new pilot fatigue rules have been announced Wednesday by the acting head of the Federal Aviation Administration set to announce new pilot fatigue rules.
Establishing safer standards has been has been one of the goals of the Flight 3407 families group.
Flight 3407 crashed in Clarence Center two years ago killing 50 people.
Calling it a "landmark" safety achievement, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood said the
a new rule that guarantees commercial pilots will get proper rest before entering a cockpit.
"The single worse day for me in this job was February 12, 2009, when Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed outside of Buffalo," said LaHood.
"I would like to say at this time of the year I want to put my faith in the government," said Robin Tolsma. She lost her husband in the crash of Flight 3407.
The new rules will provide for proper rest for commercial airline pilots before they enter the cockpit of an airplane.
The limit will range from nine to 14 hours, depending on the time of day that the pilots begin their first flight, and on the number of time zones crossed.
LaHood was joined by acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta at a news conference in Washington Wednesday morning to unveil the new pilot safety rules.
"Our new rule increases rest for commercial pilots and safety for travelers," said Huerta. "The traveling public expects an alert and rested flight crew every time they get on board a plane, and this rule benefits both pilots and passengers as we continue to ensure the safety of our nation's air transportation system."
"We are absolutely thrilled there are flight and duty rules and rest periods on the book," said Eckert.
Eckert was among family members who worked tirelessly to change the aviation safety rules.
"To the extent that it covers all passenger flights in the United States is a phenomenal success," said Eckert. "That is just a tremendous tribute to our loved ones."
It will take two years for the new flight safety rules to be implemented.
"Let's pray that the FAA can do the right thing because now everyone is watching them," said Tolsma.
The FAA's new rules are aimed at preventing airline pilots from flying while dangerously fatigued.
The rules are expected to limit the number of hours a pilot can be on duty.
Some Flight 3407 family members will be in attendance Wednesday morning as the FAA announces new pilot fatigue rules.
Susan Bourque of Amherst is the sister prominent 9/11 activist Beverly Eckert who died two years ago in the deadly crash in Clarence. Karen Ekert of Amherst tells WBFO News she is here in Buffalo awaiting word on the new FAA rules.
Jennifer West, who lost her husband in the crash, is thrilled to learn of the new rules.
"We really wanted to get this done by Christmas and it would be like a Christmas present," said West.