Air India Pilots Unions Express Concern Over Flight Duty and Rest Period Scheme

The Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) and the Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) have expressed deep concern over the flight duty and rest period scheme adopted by Air India. The unions allege that the airline has deviated from the norms approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

DGCA-approved Norms

The two unions, in a joint communication to the DGCA, have alleged that the introduction of a side policy, along with the flight duty time limitation (FDTL) scheme, by Air India seems to undermine the authority and purpose of the DGCA approval. Pilots and cabin crews flight duty time limitations are governed by the aviation safety regulator DGCA, which proposed more rest hours for the pilots last month.

Recent Incidents

In recent months, the issue of fatigue has been in focus, especially after the death of an IndiGo pilot, who had collapsed at the boarding gate of Nagpur airport in September. And last month, an Air India pilot during a training session showed signs of discomfort and later died at the Delhi airport. However, Air India said the pilot was not on active flying duty and was undergoing conversion training to operate wide-body aircraft.

Seeking Review and Assessment

The pilot unions have sought a review and assessment of the issue by the DGCA, requesting it to take appropriate measures to address the matter. The unions have stated that the side policy is in violation of DGCA CAR FDTL and that it is not part of the DGCA-approved Air India FDTL Scheme.

DGCA's Role

The letter from the unions emphasizes the pivotal role played by the DGCA in ensuring the safety and reliability of civil aviation operations in India. The approval of the FDTL scheme is seen as a testament to the thorough evaluation and consideration of safety measures to protect both airline crew members and passengers.

The Air India pilots' unions have urged the DGCA to review and assess the implications of the airline's side policy on the FDTL CAR. They believe that it is crucial to ensure that any changes made by airlines align with the approved regulations and do not compromise the safety and well-being of crew and passengers.