DGCA increases weekly rest period for flight crew

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has increased the mandatory weekly rest period of flight crew members to 48 hours. Earlier the rest period was 36 hours per week.

According to official reports, the decision has been taken to combat fatigue of the crew members. The decision was taken after a review of pilot fatigue data was collected during spot checks and surveillance of airlines after a pilot collapsed and died in August before his flight.

DGCA also deducted the maximum flight duty period from 13 hours to 10hours for pilots working in the night and number of flight landing to two, from six, during night operation has also been limited.

Confirming about the Flight Duty Time Limitations reformation, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, took to his official X handle and tweeted, “A bunch of much-awaited reforms in Flight Duty Time Limitations for our pilots has come through. After in-depth analysis of pilot rosters, fatigue-related reports and direct feedback from pilots, we have introduced revised “FDTL Regulations” that include, increased rest periods, redefining night duty, and regular fatigue reports to be shared by airlines.”

“In addition, we will soon transition towards a new regime of fatigue management i.e. Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS), which will be a data-driven approach to enhance monitoring of flight crew fatigue. These changes — that are very much in line with international best practices — will ensure India has the necessary arsenal, as it prepares to clinch the largest domestic aviation market title in the future,” the tweet further read.

The DGCA has also asked all airline operators to submit quarterly fatigue reports and comply with the revised regulations by June 1, 2024.

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