Tragic airplane crashes are often the incitation behind major safety reform and technology in the airline industry. Faulty wiring was implicated as the cause of the mid-air explosion and subsequent crash of TWA Flight 800 in 1996 and in recent years, LiveWire has been developing an electrical circuit test to detect and locate hazardous faulty wiring. Similarly, after the fatal crash of a small commuter plane carrying 49 people this year in Buffalo, New York, the FAA is developing rules regarding pilot fatigue to be implemented by September.

The National Transportation Safety Board revealed that both pilots on that flight had not gotten a full night’s sleep before the accident. As a result, pilot unions, airlines, and federal officials have until September 1 to craft new rules intended to curb fatigue among pilots.

Currently, pilots can fly up to eight hours a day but their workdays often extend past 16 hours between flight time and time on the ground. There are no restrictions regarding flying at night or how many times a pilot can takeoff and land during working hours. It’s one of the industry’s most contentious safety issues and the FAA hopes the aggressive move will initiate an undisputed agreement.

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