Context

Recently, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed changes to flight duty time limits (FDTL) to address industry concerns about pilot fatigue.

DGCA’s Flight Duty Time Limitations Norms

• Guidelines issued by DGCA: The DGCA  dictated more rest time for pilots, redefining night duty and even directing airlines to file regular fatigue reports.

• Night Duty Amended: The night-time shift has been extended by an hour to 6 a.m, from the earlier midnight to 5 a.m.
• Window of Circadian Low (WOCL): This Night Duty change will enable appropriate rest while also aligning the night duty period.
  • This includes the Window of Circadian Low (WOCL) from 02:00-06:00 hours, which is the time when the circadian body clock cycle is at its lowest in terms of attentiveness.

Challenges Associated with New Flight Duty Time Limitations Norms

• Hiring of New Pilots: The 1st June 2024 as a deadline to implement new norms would necessitate the hiring of between 15% to 25% more pilots, which takes over a 10-month period. 
• Cancellation of Flights: It could result in a nearly 20% cancellation of flights during the peak summer season.

Response by DGCA

• Revised Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR): According to DGCA, scheduled air transport operators may continue to operate in compliance with revised Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) 2019.
• ICAO Guidelines: The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) issued rules in the 1950s to reduce fatigue-related dangers in aircraft operations.
  • The DGCA intends to implement Fatigue Risk Management Systems as part of the evolution of fatigue management.

Conclusion

DGCA needs to ensure that regulatory norms are enforced and also aligned with the highest standards of safety.