(CHARLOTTE) -- A group representing pilots of Charlotte-based US Airways has expressed concern over inconsistencies in a new rule addressing pilot fatigue.

The US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA) believes some areas of the new Flight and Duty Time rule are in conflict with the FAA's stated goal of One Level of Safety.

A statement, released Tuesday by the USAPA, says it welcomes the long overdue rest rule, and acknowledges that positive steps were taken to mitigate fatigue. However, USAPA believes some areas of the rule are in conflict with the stated goal of the improving passenger safety.

USAPA President Captain Mike Cleary stated, "The new rule demonstrates troubling inconsistencies in its application to cargo operations and, therefore, fails to meet the FAA’s stated goal of One Level of Safety ... The final rule exempts cargo carriers from adhering to the flight and duty regulations, allowing them to opt out of the new rule." President Cleary continued, "USAPA strongly supports One Level of Safety – what’s safe for one pilot is safe for all, and these new rules fail to incorporate that commitment.

"All pilots are subject to the same physiological needs regardless of the type of air carrier operations. The new rule fails to acknowledge that basic fact by exempting certain segments of air transport ... Fatigue is fatigue, regardless of whether you're carrying passengers or cargo."

The new rule is the result of efforts to address pilot fatigue, brought to light primarily as a result of the fatal accident of Colgan Air Flight 3407 in Buffalo, NY that occurred in May 2009.

Headquartered in Charlotte, the USAPA represents the more than 5,000 mainline pilots who fly for US Airways.