Federation of Indian Pilots to File Contempt Petition Against DGCA Over Flight Duty Time Norms Implementation

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has announced plans to file a contempt petition against the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This action is due to the DGCA's failure to fully implement new flight duty time limitation (FDTL) norms approved by the Delhi High Court earlier this year. The FIP claims that the DGCA has not adhered to the court's directives.

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Earlier, the DGCA had introduced certain relaxations in the FDTL framework. These included allowing more night landings and extending duty time for two-pilot operations on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. However, these changes have sparked concerns among pilots about safety being compromised for commercial gains.

Implementation Timeline and Concerns

According to an affidavit submitted by the DGCA to the Delhi High Court, the new FDTL norms were to be implemented gradually. Of the 22 proposed clauses, 15 were put into effect from July 1, with the remaining set to be enforced from November 1. This phased approach was intended to address pilot fatigue by providing more rest time.

The revised Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) 2024 related to FDTL was initially scheduled for implementation on June 1, 2024. The changes aim to ensure pilots receive adequate rest, addressing long-standing concerns over fatigue and its impact on safety.

Legal Actions and Safety Concerns

The decision by the court came after petitions from various pilot associations, including the Indian Commercial Pilots Association and Indian Pilots Guild. These groups raised issues regarding the DGCA's revised FDTL norms, prompting judicial intervention to ensure compliance with safety standards.

FIP President C S Randhawa stated that dispensations have already been granted to airlines like Air India. He alleged that commercial interests are being prioritised over safety, prompting their decision to pursue legal action against the regulator.

The aviation regulator's approach has drawn criticism from pilot unions who argue that safety should not be compromised. The FIP's planned legal action underscores ongoing tensions between regulatory compliance and operational demands within India's aviation sector.

This situation highlights a critical balance between maintaining safety standards and meeting commercial objectives. As airlines seek operational flexibility, ensuring pilot welfare remains a priority for industry stakeholders.

With inputs from PTI