Pilots warned of dangers of fatigue

AIRLINE pilots are to be warned about taking proper rest breaks after an investigation identified fatigue as a possible factor for a serious accident involving a helicopter flown by an off-duty Ryanair pilot two years ago.

The Irish Aviation Authority is to notify all pilots of their responsibilities to ensure they regulate their flying activity in accordance with flying time limitations set by airlines as a result of a formal report on the accident.

It showed that the helicopter ran out of fuel during a short pleasure flight being staged as part of a sports day at Kilanny, Co Monaghan, on June 13, 2004.