Pilots’ Safety Concerns Ignored as DGCA Delays Implementation of New Duty Norms

The nationwide body of pilots, represented by the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), has expressed grave concerns over the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) decision to indefinitely defer the implementation of new pilot rest and duty norms. These rules, designed to address mounting fatigue among pilots, aimed to enhance safety by providing increased rest periods and curtailing night-time flying.

The FIP emphasized that the DGCA’s action not only jeopardizes pilot safety but also compromises the safety of passengers. Despite the regulatory amendment allowing airlines to continue following old norms until approval of new schemes, the FIP stresses that commercial interests should not override pilot health and safety. The decision to postpone the implementation of revised Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) has drawn criticism from pilots, who argue that it undermines efforts to mitigate fatigue-related risks in aviation operations.