NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated substantial alterations in Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) for flight crew, aligning with global best practices. These regulations have played a pivotal role in mitigating fatigue-related safety hazards in aviation for over a decade.
These amendments mark a significant stride in addressing pilot fatigue, fortifying overall flight safety, and harmonising it with India’s burgeoning aviation sector. The updated FDTL regulations are immediately effective, compelling airline operators to comply by June 1, 2024. This timeline allows operators to acclimate to the changes, considering logistical adjustments and system alterations arising from the amended FDTL regulations.
To combat pilot fatigue through empirical evidence, DGCA meticulously gathered and analysed extensive pilot rosters and fatigue reports submitted by airlines. This comprehensive study identified key fatigue-inducing factors such as maximum flight duty period, night duty, weekly rest period, and flight duty period extension.
The revised FDTL regulations emerged after thorough data analysis and feedback from diverse stakeholders, including airline operators, pilot associations, and individuals. Global benchmarks from the FAA (USA) and EASA (EU) were also integrated into these regulations, tailored to India’s unique operational landscape.
Notable Revisions in the FDTL Regulations:
1. Extended weekly rest periods: Flight crew now mandate an increased weekly rest from 36 to 48 hours, ensuring adequate recovery time from accumulated fatigue.
2. Night duty: The definition of ‘night’ has been expanded from 12:00 am-05:00 am to 12:00 am-06:00 am, aligning with the Window of Circadian Low (WOCL) from 02:00-06:00 am, optimising rest during the lowest alertness cycle.
3. Maximum Flight Time and Landings: Restrictions on flight time, flight duty periods, and the number of landings during night operations have been revamped for enhanced flight safety.
Additionally, DGCA mandates quarterly fatigue reports from airlines, ensuring non-punitive and confidential reporting policies. The DGCA anticipates the transition to a Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS), a data-centric approach to monitor and report flight crew fatigue. Stakeholder collaboration is crucial for seamless implementation and adherence to the FRMS framework.
The implementation of these revised FDTL regulations signifies the aviation sector’s commitment to fostering safer skies through proactive fatigue management.