new-pilot-duty-norms-deferred-airlines-given-indefinite-time-to-implement-scheme

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has decided to put the implementation of new pilot duty norms on hold. The decision comes after airlines were granted indefinite time to establish a scheme that aligns with the provisions outlined in the revised rest rules.

 

As a consequence, airlines will continue to adhere to the pilot duty roster formulated under the previous regulations set in 2019. This decision marks a departure from the earlier stance taken by the DGCA, which had previously rejected appeals from airlines to defer the enforcement of the new norms.

 

Originally slated for implementation on June 1, 2024, the DGCA had highlighted the necessity of adhering to the revised schedule, which was notified earlier this year in January.

 

The deferred rules aim to furnish pilots with enhanced weekly rest, increasing it from 26 to 48 hours. Additionally, the regulations seek to mitigate the impact of nighttime flying on pilot fatigue by reducing the number of landings during this period.

 

Under the 2019 regulations, pilots could conduct up to six landings at night, a figure set to decrease to two under the new rules. 

 

While the maximum flight duty period for nighttime flights will be curtailed from 10 hours to eight hours.

 

The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), representing major carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, had petitioned the DGCA in February to extend the deadline for implementing the new norms.

 

They argued that these changes could have adverse implications for their operations, potentially necessitating an increase in pilot recruitment, leading to flight cancellations.

 

The primary impetus behind the introduction of the revised flight duty norms was to address concerns regarding pilot fatigue and bolster safety measures within the sector. 

 

The aviation industry in India has been contending with pilot shortages amidst burgeoning demand. According to data from CAPA as of December 2023, Indian airlines collectively operated 771 aircrafts, while the number of registered commercial pilots with the DGCA stood at 9,524.