The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced revised flight duty time limitations to address pilot fatigue concerns. Under the updated norms, airlines must ensure no more than 168 hours pass between the end of one weekly rest period and the start of the next. The revised Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) was initially set for implementation on June 1, 2024.
Following discussions with airline representatives, pilot groups, and the civil aviation ministry, the DGCA submitted an affidavit detailing a phased rollout. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the DGCA, stated that substantial progress had been made in implementing the CAR. Most regulations will be enforced by July 1, 2025, while certain aspects under review will take effect by November 1, 2025.
The Delhi High Court is set to hear the matter on February 24, following petitions from the Indian Commercial Pilots Association, the Indian Pilots Guild, and the Federation of Indian Pilots. The pilots’ associations have largely accepted CAR 2024, with conditions to address remaining concerns.
Key changes include increasing the weekly rest period from 36 to 48 hours, ensuring two local nights of rest, and limiting flight operations at night to a maximum of eight hours of flight time and ten hours of duty. Additionally, the number of night landings has been reduced from six to two. The DGCA has also mandated that weekly rest periods must be provided at the home base or temporary home base.
The high court had earlier instructed the DGCA to consult with associations, airlines, and the ministry before finalizing the regulations.
Source: Swifteradio.com
