New pilot duty rules from July; HC closes pilots' pleas

The Delhi high court has closed petitions filed by the Federation of Indian Pilots and other unions challenging the 2019 Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), after the regulator committed to a phased implementation of revised FDTL rules starting July 1.

- Shruti Kakkar

NEW DELHI:

In February, DGCA informed the court it had proposed stricter guidelines to limit pilots' duty hours and enhance rest periods to reduce fatigue. The plan includes increasing weekly rest from 36 to 48 hours beginning July 1 and reducing permissible night flying from November 1. Of the 22 proposed changes, 15 will take effect in July, with the rest—including a redefinition of night duty as hours between midnight and 6 am—slated for the November roll-out.