Air India‘s pilot unions, the Indian Pilots’ Guild (IPG) and Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA), are urging the aviation regulator, DGCA, to step in following claims of pilots being overworked beyond their duty hours, even after recent measures were introduced to combat pilot fatigue.
The unions expressed their worries in a letter to the DGCA dated January 26, highlighting concerns about compliance with Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) within Air India. They alleged instances where pilots faced pressure to extend their duty hours, risking their career progression.
According to the unions, such actions not only endanger the safety and well-being of pilots but also violate regulations. The DGCA had implemented new rules on January 8, extending the mandatory weekly break for pilots to 48 hours and reducing maximum flight duty hours to 10 for night shifts from the previous 13, as reported by HT.
These measures come amidst a shortage of human resources in the Indian aviation sector, leading to increased workloads for pilots, as claimed by the unions.
The pilots emphasized their commitment to safety but warned of reporting violations if necessary, stating, “…we feel compelled to inform regulatory authorities with evidence, including call records, to ensure transparency and accountability.”
They urged the DGCA to promptly investigate the allegations and put an end to coercive practices related to duty hour extensions to safeguard both personnel and operational integrity.
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