Pilots' Body Opposes DGCA Flight Duty Norms Extension Till March

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has voiced opposition to a proposed extension of revised flight duty regulations, arguing that safety should take precedence over operational convenience. In a letter to Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu dated October 21, the pilots' body requested urgent government intervention to expedite the implementation of the new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL).

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is contemplating allowing airlines until March 31, 2027, to meet the new requirements, but FIP contends that further delays are detrimental to aviation safety. The revised FDTL framework is being rolled out in stages, with the second phase, which includes restrictions on night landings, set for November 2026.

However, FIP questions the extension beyond October 31, 2026. The association insists that airlines' commercial interests should not override mandatory safety standards and seeks a meeting with pilots' associations before any final decision. FIP requests a comprehensive assessment of airline-specific pilot availability, fleet requirements, recruitment, training, rostering, and reserve capacity, urging DGCA to provide a written justification for the extension, including manpower figures, operational needs, and a safety-risk assessment.

Any extension must adhere to the Delhi High Court's directions, and FIP calls for an urgent reassessment of the timeline, emphasizing the need for lawful authority and a demonstrable requirement.