DGCA FINES AIR INDIA ₹80 LAKH FOR VIOLATING FATIGUE RULES

Why in the news ?

DGCA fines Air India ₹80 lakh for breaching fatigue rules, emphasising aviation safety and regulatory compliance in India.

source:slideserve

Highlighting the Violation of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) and Fatigue Management System (FMS):

  • The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) imposed an ₹80 lakh fine on Air India for breaching rules aimed at preventing pilot and crew fatigue.
  • The fine follows a spot audit conducted in January to assess Air India’s compliance with FDTL and FMS regulations.
  • Instances of violations included flights operated with crew members aged above 60 flying together, insufficient weekly rest, inadequate rest before and after ultra-long range flights, and insufficient layover rest.
What is Fatigue Management System (FMS)?

●    FRMS is a data-driven system.

●    It monitors and manages fatigue-related safety risks.

●    Based on scientific principles and operational experience.

●    Aims to maintain adequate levels of alertness among personnel.

●   In general, ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) in various Annexes support two distinct methods for managing fatigue:

●   Prescriptive Approach:

○      This approach mandates that the Service Provider adheres to duty time limits set by the State.

●   Performance-Based Approach:

○      In this method, the Service Provider is required to implement a Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) approved by the State.