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#Public Health
Economic Times
Economic Times
5d ago 6 views

DGCA cites operational stability, regional factors for temporary night duty relaxation to airlines

The DGCA has temporarily relaxed night duty limits for pilots, allowing three landings between 12 AM and 6 AM to ensure operational stability. This matters as it addresses pilot fatigue and operational challenges while maintaining safety standards.
DGCA cites operational stability, regional factors for temporary night duty relaxation to airlines
A What happened
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued temporary exemptions to airlines regarding night duty limits for pilots, permitting three landings between 12 AM and 6 AM under certain conditions. This decision is intended to ensure operational stability while prioritizing safety, with a review planned in six months. The new rules, effective November 1, originally aimed to limit pilot landings to two during night hours and restrict duty hours to 10. However, the DGCA's relaxations come in response to complaints from pilots about chronic fatigue due to existing regulations. The Federation of Indian Pilots has expressed concerns that these relaxations contradict the DGCA's previous commitments to enforce stricter regulations. The DGCA's chief emphasized the need to balance safety with operational viability, particularly in regions where daylight begins early. Airlines have suggested adopting a data-driven Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) to better monitor pilot fatigue rather than relying solely on fixed regulatory limits.

Key insights

  • 1

    Pilot Fatigue Concerns

    Chronic fatigue among pilots raises significant safety issues in aviation.

  • 2

    Regulatory Compliance Issues

    Relaxations may conflict with previous DGCA commitments to enforce stricter rules.

  • 3

    Operational Stability

    Temporary measures aim to maintain airline operations without compromising safety.

Takeaways

The DGCA's temporary relaxation of night duty limits reflects an attempt to balance operational needs with safety concerns in the aviation sector. However, ongoing scrutiny from pilot unions and the need for effective fatigue management systems remain critical.