India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has begun a phased implementation of revised regulations regarding Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) for pilots, aimed at addressing concerns about pilot fatigue. The changes, which include increased weekly rest periods and restrictions on night landings, follow legal action initiated by pilot associations.
According to an affidavit submitted by the DGCA to the Delhi High Court, the majority of the revised Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) concerning pilot duty and rest hours took effect on July 1, 2024. The remaining provisions are scheduled to be fully implemented by November 1, 2024. The court was hearing petitions filed by the Indian Commercial Pilots Association, Indian Pilots Guild, and Federation of Indian Pilots, who had raised concerns about existing regulations contributing to pilot fatigue.
The revised rules mandate a minimum weekly rest period of 48 continuous hours for pilots, including two full local nights. This represents an increase from the previous 36-hour requirement. Furthermore, the DGCA stated that airlines must ensure no more than 168 hours elapse between the end of one weekly rest period and the commencement of the next.
"An operator shall ensure that the minimum weekly rest of continuous 48 hours including two local nights is provided," the DGCA's affidavit stated, adding that the 168-hour period would be calculated from the end of the preceding weekly rest.
The updated CAR also addresses flight operations conducted at night. The maximum flight time and maximum flight duty period for night operations are now restricted to eight hours and ten hours, respectively. Additionally, the number of permissible night landings has been reduced to two, down from the previous allowance of six.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the DGCA, informed the court that "substantial progress" had been made in implementing the revised CAR. She explained that the phased approach was decided upon after consultations between representatives from airlines, pilot groups, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Counsel for the pilot associations had previously indicated that the revised CAR 2024 was "acceptable in principle," subject to certain conditions, and that its implementation would address a majority of their grievances.
The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear the matter again on February 24. The court's involvement underscores the legal pressure that contributed to the regulatory changes. The DGCA's actions are intended to enhance aviation safety by mitigating the risks associated with pilot fatigue.
