DGCA defers new duty rules for pilots

The new regulations on flight duty hours of pilots effective from June 1 have been deferred for wider consultations by the aviation regulator DGCA. The new norms had provided for more rest to pilots so that they could be more fresh and less fatigued.

About two weeks ago, DGCA had told the airlines that it won’t extend the deadline to bring the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) into force.

Some of the airlines had also written to DGCA seeking more time to implement the revised rules. The new norms on flight and duty time limitations were issued on on January 8.

According to the new norms, the pilots would get increased weekly rest time to 48 hours and limit the number of landings to two during night operations. Besides, the night hours for pilots will be extended to cover the period from midnight to 6 am whereas it was midnight to 5 am earlier.
Also, all airlines have to compulsorily submit quarterly fatigue reports, which “should follow a non-punitive and confidentiality policy”.

As of now, the airlines will continue to follow the pilot duty roster formed as per old regulations in 2019.

DGCA’s motive for introducing the new flight duty norms was to tackle the issue of fatigue of pilots and to further strengthen safety in the sector.

Many airlines are facing pilot shortage compared to the demand in the sector. As of December 2023, there were a about 770 planes with Indian airlines with 9,524 commercial pilots registered with the DGCA, as per data from CAPA.