DGCA DEFERS FDTL RULES, AIRLINES RESIST, PILOTS FRUSTRATED, IMPLEMENTATION DELAYED.

Why in the news?

DGCA deferred new FDTL rules implementation due to airline resistance, citing concerns over pilot shortage and capacity reduction.

source:moneycontrol

About the Deferment and Controversy:

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has requested Indian airlines to indicate their readiness to implement new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules.
This request follows a hearing in the Delhi High Court, where the DGCA was asked to provide a tentative implementation date.
The new FDTL rules aim to address pilot fatigue and stress by introducing longer rest periods and other measures.
The DGCA deferred the implementation of the new FDTL rules from June 1, following directions from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Airlines expressed concerns about the increased requirement for pilots and resistance to the new rules, leading to the postponement.
Pilots and associations expressed discontent over the flexibility given to airlines and the lack of a fresh deadline for compliance.

About Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) Norms:

FDTL norms established by the DGCA to ensure pilot and flight attendant rest and prevent fatigue-related safety risks.

Key FDTL Regulations:

Maximum flying hours per day, week, month, and year: 8 hours/day, 35 hours/week, 125 hours/month, 1,000 hours/year.
Minimum rest requirements: Twice the flight time, with a minimum of 10 hours rest in any 24 consecutive hours.

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