India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has implemented significant changes to address pilot fatigue, including an extension of the mandatory weekly rest period for flight crews from 36 to 48 hours, according to a statement from the civil aviation ministry on Monday. These revised regulations aim to enhance safety measures in the aviation sector and come after a thorough review prompted by concerns following an IndiGo pilot’s collapse and death in August.
In addition to extending the weekly rest period, the DGCA has reduced the maximum flight duty period for pilots working nights from 13 to 10 hours. Furthermore, the regulator has placed restrictions on the number of flight landings during night operations, limiting them to two instead of six. The definition of night duty has also been adjusted to cover the first six hours of the day, as opposed to the previous five.
The decision to revise these regulations aligns with international best practices and has been influenced by the practices of the United States and the European Union. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasized the significance of these changes in a post on X, stating that they position India to lead the way in ensuring aviation safety as it continues to grow as the world’s fastest-growing aviation market.
The DGCA’s focus on addressing pilot fatigue includes mandating all airline operators to submit quarterly fatigue reports. Airlines are required to implement these revised regulations by June 1, 2024. The comprehensive approach reflects India’s commitment to enhancing aviation safety standards, especially given its role as a key player in the global aviation market with significant orders for new planes from major carriers such as IndiGo and Air India, owned by the Tata group.
While acknowledging that pilot fatigue is a global concern, India’s dynamic aviation sector, marked by rapid growth, has brought this issue to the forefront. IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, faced scrutiny following the death of a pilot who collapsed in August. The airline defended its practices, stating that the deceased pilot had a 27-hour break before duty and was in good health.
These regulatory changes signify a proactive step by India to address emerging challenges in aviation safety. By considering international best practices, the country aims to establish a robust framework that ensures the well-being of flight crews and, consequently, the safety of passengers. The reduction in maximum flight duty periods and the adjustment of night duty definitions demonstrate a commitment to aligning with global standards.
The mandate for quarterly fatigue reports is a notable addition, emphasizing transparency and accountability in monitoring and mitigating pilot fatigue. With the implementation deadline set for June 1, 2024, airlines will need to adapt their operations to comply with these revised regulations, reinforcing a culture of safety within the Indian aviation sector.
As India continues to be a key player in the global aviation landscape, these measures showcase the country’s commitment to fostering a safe and sustainable aviation industry. The combination of regulatory changes and reporting requirements underscores the importance placed on addressing pilot fatigue and ensuring that safety remains a top priority in the rapidly evolving aviation environment.