Indian Pilots’ Body Urges Immediate Enforcement Of Flight Duty Time Rules, Withdrawal Of Airline Exemptions

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has called on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to swiftly enforce Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) regulations, urging the withdrawal of exemptions granted to airlines, according to NDTV Profit. The pilots' association emphasized the importance of strict compliance with duty-time rules to mitigate fatigue-related risks among crew members.

FDTL regulations outline the maximum allowable duration for pilots to be on duty and in the cockpit, accompanied by mandatory rest periods to prevent fatigue and ensure operational safety. The FIP has also called for the implementation of a Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS), which utilizes data-driven approaches to identify and address fatigue risks among airline crews.

Over the past three years, six pilots have died while on duty, prompting the pilots' body to express concern over the impact of extended working hours and inadequate rest periods. The controversy surrounding dispensations from FDTL rules has been a persistent issue between pilot groups, airlines, and regulators. Pilot associations have consistently argued that exemptions granted to airlines to manage operational demands may compromise crew recovery time.

The DGCA introduced revised FDTL rules after discussions with airlines and pilot organizations, but implementation schedules have been repeatedly delayed due to operational challenges cited by the airlines. This latest appeal from the FIP aligns with previous requests from pilot groups for more stringent enforcement of duty-time regulations, rather than further relaxations for carriers. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the DGCA have yet to comment on the pilots' most recent request.