In a decisive move, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has dismissed requests for an extension of the deadline for the implementation of new flight duty time limitation (FDTL) rules. The June 1 deadline remains intact, with the DGCA emphasizing the need for airlines to adapt to the changes outlined in the guidelines.
A senior government official clarified that the draft rules were initially presented on the website in early November 2023, allowing a 30-day window for comments. The implementation date was extended to June 1 to provide ample time for airlines to adjust to the logistical, systemic, and consequential aspects of the changes. The timeline was designed considering the typical four-month duration required for a commercial pilot license holder, post-type rating completion, to be released for flying by an airline.
While the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) had expressed concerns about the six-month deadline, the DGCA urged airlines to refrain from scaremongering. The new duty norms, grounded in empirical data, aim to strike a balance between industry growth and safety considerations.
The revised FDTL rules, issued on January 8, address concerns about rising fatigue levels among pilots. Changes include curtailed night-time flying, enhanced weekly rest, and stricter limits on duty periods. The FIA, representing major domestic airlines like Air India, SpiceJet, and IndiGo, had requested a one-year deferment for the implementation of these rules.
Airlines argue that the required training for compliance would take 8-10 months, posing a challenge within the existing timeframe.
The updated FDTL regulations redefine the night period, extending it from 12 am-5 am to 12 am-6 am, limiting the duty period to 10 hours, and capping the number of landings a pilot can undertake to two. Additionally, the DGCA has reduced the permissible period for airlines to exceed limits during unforeseen circumstances, such as bad weather or air-traffic delays, from three to two hours.
With an emphasis on fatigue management, the new rules introduce additional rest for pilots, revisions to night duty regulations, and requirements for airlines to submit pilot fatigue reports. The DGCA has mandated compliance by June 1, with an increase in weekly rest periods for flight crews from 36 to 48 hours.
As the aviation industry braces for these changes, the DGCA’s unwavering stance signals a commitment to enhancing safety standards in the face of evolving operational dynamics.
