The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has decided not to extend the June 1 deadline for implementing the revised flight duty norms for pilots and asked airlines to submit the revised schemes by April 15. Notably, the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), comprising Air India, SpiceJet and IndiGo, had written at least twice to the regulator seeking more time for implementation of the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms were issued on January 8.
In response to that communication, the DGCA said that airlines have to take all necessary steps to roll out the revised FDTL CAR, with effect from June 1, 2024. Also, is asked all the carriers to ensure that the FDTL schemes in tune with the revised norms are submitted for approval by April 15.
According to the DGCA, the time frame for implementation of the revised CAR was arrived at after taking into account the lead time involved for operators to put in place the necessary change management steps, including crew recruitment, crew training and other attendant logistical arrangements. Alleviation of flight crew fatigue is the core philosophy behind the revised FDTL norms, and the perspective planning framework of airlines will adequately cater to meeting the requirements of the new stipulations, the regulator said.
The new norms, to come into force from June 1, provide for rest time for pilots and seek to alleviate pilot fatigue. It provides for increased weekly rest time to 48 hours for pilots 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 0000-0600 hours, whereas it was 0000-0500 hours earlier.
Also, all airlines have to compulsorily submit quarterly fatigue reports, which “should follow a non-punitive and confidentiality policy”.