• UGI USER
  • Mar 24, 2024
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WHY IS DGCA FIRM ON NEW REST RULES FOR PILOTS?

Syllabus:

  • GS-3-Modes of transport and advancement in technology.

Why in News :

  • The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has enforced new pilot duty norms, rejecting airlines’ request for postponement.

Introduction:

  • These norms aim to address fatigue-related issues among pilots and enhance aviation safety.

New Pilot Duty Norms:

  • Enhanced weekly rest: Weekly rest for pilots increased from 36 hours to 48 hours.
  • Reduction in night-time flying: Previously, pilots could conduct six landings during night-time flying, now reduced to two. Night-time shift extended till 6 a.m.
  • Maximum flight duty period reduced: Flight duty period for flights encroaching night-time reduced from 10 hours to eight hours.

Pilots’ Response:

  • Generally welcomed changes: Pilots appreciate the changes but express concerns about consecutive night duties causing stress and fatigue.
DGCA

Overview :

·    The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is India’s regulatory body in the field of Civil Aviation.

·    It primarily focuses on safety issues and ensures the regulation of air transport services to, from, and within India.

Responsibilities:

·    Regulating air transport services: DGCA is responsible for regulating air transport services within the country’s airspace.

·    Enforcement of civil air regulations: It enforces civil air regulations, air safety standards, and airworthiness standards to ensure safe operations.

·    Coordination with ICAO: DGCA coordinates all regulatory functions with the International Civil Aviation. Organisation (ICAO), ensuring compliance with global aviation standards.

 

  • Unaddressed demands: Pilots’ demand for a ban on two consecutive night duties remains unheeded.
  • Ambiguity in rostering: Airlines are only required to publish crew rosters “sufficiently in advance,” with no clear time frame defined.

Fatigue Management Measures:

  • Quarterly analysis of fatigue reports: Airlines mandated to submit fatigue reports along with action taken reports on a quarterly basis.
  • Adoption of Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS): DGCA plans to adopt FRMS to enhance monitoring and reporting of flight crew fatigue, though pilots express concerns about potential reduction in rest periods.

Airlines’ Opposition:

  • Request for postponement denied: Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) sought postponement of the June 1 implementation deadline, citing significant impacts on business and customers.
  • DGCA’s stance: DGCA maintains adherence to the June 1 deadline, dismissing airlines’ concerns as “scaremongering.”

Acknowledgment of Pilot Fatigue:

  • Instances of pilot deaths: Recent instances of pilot deaths during duty underscore the urgency of addressing pilot fatigue.
  • Growing challenges: Increasing flying hours, growing route networks, and rostering uncertainties contribute to mounting fatigue among pilots.

Pilot Shortages and Future Outlook:

  • Pilot shortages: Airlines like Air India and Vistara face pilot shortages compared to aircraft strength.
  • Future pilot demand: India’s commercial airlines projected to nearly double fleet size by fiscal year 2029-30, necessitating the addition of approximately 10,900 additional pilots by 2030.

Conclusion: 

  • The implementation of new pilot duty norms by DGCA aims to enhance aviation safety by addressing fatigue-related issues among pilots, despite opposition from airlines concerned about operational impacts.

Top of Form

Source:The Hindu

Mains Practice Question :

” Analyse the impact of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) new pilot duty norms on the aviation industry in India. Discuss the concerns raised by airlines regarding the implementation of these norms and the potential repercussions on flight operations.”(250 Words)