In a significant move aimed at enhancing aviation safety, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms for flight crew on Monday. The updated regulations include an extension of weekly rest periods to 48 hours, adjustments to night hours, and a reduction in the number of permissible night landings.
Airlines are mandated to comply with the amended norms by June 1, as outlined in an official statement released by the DGCA. The regulations, which have been crucial in managing fatigue-related safety risks in aviation for over a decade, are poised to bring about substantial improvements in crew well-being.
The DGCA undertook a comprehensive data-driven approach to address concerns related to pilot fatigue. Extensive analysis of pilot rosters and fatigue reports submitted by airlines guided the identification of key areas inducing fatigue. The revised FDTL regulations were formulated based on this data analysis, incorporating feedback from stakeholders, including airline operators, pilot associations, and individuals.
Taking cues from global aviation safety standards, the DGCA considered best practices from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The regulatory amendments, however, were tailored to suit India’s specific operating environment.
Key highlights of the revised regulations include an increase in weekly rest periods from 36 to 48 hours for flight crew, ensuring adequate time for recovery from cumulative fatigue. The definition of night has been extended from 0000-0600 hours, aligning with global standards. Notably, the revised regulations restrict the number of night landings to two, as opposed to the earlier limit of six, contributing to enhanced flight safety.
Airlines and flight crews will need to adapt to these changes, reflecting a commitment to continuous improvement in aviation safety.
