DGCA eases duty time rules for pilots as global routes turn longer amid Iran war
New Delhi, April 7
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has temporarily allowed airlines to extend flight duty time for pilots on long-haul flights as planes have to take longer routes on international flights due to the Iran war, a senior official of the Civil Aviation Ministry said on Tuesday.
The easing of the pilot flight duty time limitation (FDTL) norm has been permitted as airlines were facing problems due to the longer flying hours that are now required for flights, as the Middle East countries have shut airspace, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Asangba Chuba Ao told journalists.
DGCA introduced new flight duty norms last year to put a limit on the flying time for pilots in order to prevent fatigue, which poses a risk to flight safety. According to the new rules, pilots must be given 48 hours of continuous rest, which was an increase from the 36 hours fixed in the earlier norms.
However, due to the Iran war, the flight time to western destinations has been extended on account of long detours that aircraft are forced to take to avoid the Middle East conflict zone. This poses problems for the airlines to function with the limit imposed on flight duty time for pilots.
The DGCA had given certain relaxations in pilot flight duty time limitations (FDTL) norms earlier, till April 30. Providing the relaxations for the long-haul flights operated with two pilots, the DGCA has extended the Flight Time (FT) by 1.30 hours to 11.30 hours and the Flight Duty Period (FDP) by 1.45 hours to 11.45 hours.
Flying time covers the total time taken from the moment an aircraft first moves for the purpose of taking off from the runway until the moment it finally comes to a halt at the end of the flight.
DGCA had introduced more robust measures to ensure compliance by airlines with regulations, which include increased monitoring on a weekly and fortnightly basis for critical operations, along with bi-monthly visits to the operator by DGCA's principal point-of-contact inspector.
The civil aviation regulator is also more closely monitoring operations of airlines, with particular emphasis on roster integrity, crew availability, buffer adequacy, system robustness and adherence to FDTL requirements.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I have a family member who is a pilot. While I understand the operational need, extending duty time by over 1.5 hours is significant. The 48-hour rest rule was a good reform. We must not compromise on it in the long run. Safety first, always.
Global conflicts affecting our daily lives again. First oil prices, now flight times. At least DGCA is being proactive. Hope this is truly temporary and they revert to stricter norms once airspace opens. Jai Hind!
As a frequent flyer to Europe, I've noticed the longer flight durations. It's a practical decision. The key is the "temporary" part. The bi-monthly inspections and monitoring mentioned are crucial to ensure airlines don't take advantage.
Good move by DGCA. Indian aviation has to compete globally. If other regulators are allowing relaxations, we must too to keep our airlines operational. But pilot health is non-negotiable. The weekly monitoring must be strict.
This is a band-aid solution. The real issue is the conflict. While I appreciate the need for flexibility, we are putting our pilots and passengers at potential risk. The ministry should also be lobbying harder for diplomatic solutions to open airspace. 🛫
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.