Federation of Indian Pilots Flags Concerns Over Deferred Flight Duty Norms

Mumbai, Mar 29 - The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has expressed serious concerns over the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's (DGCA) recent decision to postpone the enforcement of updated flight duty norms for pilots. This delay, according to the FIP, compromises not only the well-being of pilots but also passenger safety, for the sake of airline operators' commercial interests. The revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, initially set to commence on June 1, aim to offer pilots increased rest periods, addressing the issue of pilot fatigue.

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In a communication to Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia dated March 28, the FIP criticized the DGCA's move. The organization highlighted that this decision could jeopardize pilot safety and, by extension, that of passengers. The revised Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) intended to mitigate such risks are now at stake. The FIP, representing approximately 5,000 members from the pilot community and related aviation sectors, also pointed out the regulator's arbitrary exclusion of a cutoff date for amending regulations on consecutive night operations.

The DGCA's recent adjustments have rendered the updated CAR ineffective by allowing operators too much discretion in its application, according to the FIP. This stance has been formally communicated to both the civil aviation secretary and the DGCA chief. The FIP argues that this decision fails to align with the best interests of pilots or the broader aviation industry in India.

The updated FDTL norms were designed to enhance pilot welfare significantly. They proposed extending weekly rest periods to 48 hours and limiting night operation landings to two. Additionally, they aimed to redefine night hours for pilots from 00:00-06:00 hours, an extension from the previous 00:00-05:00 hours. Moreover, airlines would be mandated to submit quarterly fatigue reports under a non-punitive and confidential policy.

This postponement follows requests from airlines for additional time to adapt to the new regulations introduced on January 8. The DGCA's decision reflects a balancing act between regulatory compliance and operational flexibility for airlines but raises significant safety and welfare concerns among pilots.