Introduction
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has undertaken a substantial overhaul of the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) for flight crew, marking a pivotal step in enhancing aviation safety in India.
Enhanced Weekly Rest and Revised Night Duty Definitions
- Extended Weekly Rest Periods: The DGCA now mandates a minimum of 48 hours of weekly rest for flight crew, up from the previous 36 hours, facilitating better recovery from cumulative fatigue.
- Amended Night Duty Hours: The definition of night has been extended to include 0000-0600 hours, previously 0000-0500 hours. This change aligns with the Window of Circadian Low (WOCL), which is critical for ensuring alertness during sensitive early morning hours.
Restrictive Measures on Flight Time and Landings
- Maximum Flight Time and Duty Periods: For night operations, flight time and duty periods are now limited to 8 and 10 hours respectively. This is a reduction from the earlier norms, taking into account the varying demands of different time zone operations.
- Limitation on Number of Landings: The number of permissible landings during night operations has been decreased to two, significantly lower than the previous cap of six landings.
Implementation of Fatigue Reports
- Mandatory Quarterly Fatigue Reports: Airline operators must now submit fatigue reports every quarter, analyzing and detailing the actions taken in response to these reports. This approach is non-punitive and maintains confidentiality.
- Policy on Fatigue Reports: Operators must establish clear policies on how to raise and respond to fatigue reports. These reports and actions taken are to be preserved for a minimum of one year.
Transition Towards a Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS)
- Towards FRMS: The DGCA envisions adopting the FRMS, a data-driven method for better monitoring and reporting of flight crew fatigue. This will require collaboration among various aviation stakeholders, including the regulator, airline operators, and flight crew.
Public Consultation and Inclusive Decision-Making
- Extensive Stakeholder Consultation: The DGCA’s revisions were preceded by in-depth consultations with airlines, pilots, and cabin crew members, reflecting a comprehensive and inclusive approach to policy formulation.
- Draft Open for Public Comment: The proposed draft has been made available for public comment, ensuring transparency and wider participation in the decision-making process.
Specific Regulations for Ultra-Long Flights
- Case-by-Case Approval: Operators must seek specific approval for ultra-long-haul flights, including submitting plans for specific city pairs and departure windows.
- Crew Alertness Validation: The DGCA may validate these flights for crew alertness, with a preference for operators to adopt FRMS for continuous monitoring.
Conclusion
The DGCA’s comprehensive revision of the FDTL regulations is a significant stride towards ensuring safer aviation operations in India. By addressing pilot fatigue with a data-driven and stakeholder-inclusive approach, these changes are poised to significantly enhance flight safety and operational efficiency.