Pilots union urges rapid implementation of revised Flight Responsibility Time Limitations

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has written to Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and the Directorate Normal of Civil Aviation (DGCA), urging the implementation of revised Flight Responsibility Time Limitations (FDTL) for passenger security. They insist that pilot well-being shouldn’t be sacrificed for industrial achieve.

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In a letter dated March 28, the FIP urged Minister Scindia to intervene and make sure the implementation of the revised laws, as initially introduced. Nonetheless, this week, the DGCA deferred the implementation of the revised obligation closing dates for aircrew, prompting additional dismay from the pilots’ union.

The FIP, together with different pilot unions together with the Air India Pilots’ Union, the Indian Pilots’ Guild, and the Indian Business Pilots’ Guild, had beforehand petitioned the Delhi Excessive Courtroom over obligation timings. Whereas revised civil aviation laws (CAR) had been submitted in court docket, the DGCA’s current choice to defer implementation has prompted frustration amongst pilots.

In response to the FIP, the DGCA additionally didn’t adequately seek the advice of with stakeholders, together with pilots themselves, earlier than implementing these adjustments. “The revised duty-rest interval norms had been meant to handle fatigue-related aviation dangers amongst cockpit crews,” mentioned the FIP. “Regardless of assurances from the aviation minister in January that the adjustments had been based mostly on thorough evaluation and worldwide finest practices, the DGCA selected to defer implementation with out consulting stakeholders.”

The up to date duty-rest interval laws aimed to boost the administration of fatigue-related aviation dangers amongst cockpit crews. On January 8, the aviation minister tweeted that the FDTL reforms had been based mostly on thorough evaluation of pilot rosters, fatigue reviews, and direct pilot suggestions, aligning with worldwide requirements. Nonetheless, after the publication of the revised FDTL, the Federation of Indian Airways, representing Indian carriers, met with the DGCA and requested a deferment of the implementation of the brand new norms.

Moreover, the FIP expressed disappointment that the DGCA disregarded their representations and issued a revised model of the CAR on March 26. “This revision successfully removes the necessary requirement for operators to implement the revised CAR earlier than June 1, granting them discretionary powers as a substitute.”

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In response to the FIP, this newest transfer by the DGCA not solely jeopardises pilot security but in addition undermines passenger security. They careworn that the implementation of the revised CAR is essential to stop such dangers.