Aviation watchdog DGCA tightens measures to tackle pilot fatigue

The Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has significantly tightened its measures to combat pilot fatigue, issuing new directives that mandate comprehensive fatigue management training for airline schedulers and dispatchers. This move aims to address persistent concerns regarding the well-being of cockpit crew across Indian carriers, directly impacting operational safety and efficiency.

Under the new circular, dated November 20, Indian airlines are now required to submit detailed quarterly fatigue reports. These reports must include data on the number of crew trained in fatigue management, the volume of fatigue reports received, and crucially, the reasons for accepting or rejecting any such reports. The DGCA's intensified oversight follows observations that airlines were not consistently submitting fatigue reports, particularly after the initial phase of new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms came into effect on July 1.

Domestic operators, including major players like IndiGo and Tata Group-owned Air India, had previously expressed opposition to the implementation of these revised FDTL norms. The second phase of these regulations, which introduced certain relaxations, was subsequently enforced from November 1. The DGCA's audit of scheduled operators revealed uncertainty regarding the scope of annual fatigue training, prompting the new, clearer guidelines.

The circular further stipulates that annual fatigue training, defined in operations manuals, must be at least one hour long and integrated into the Annual Ground Training (AGTR). This training is to be conducted by qualified staff and cover the effects of fatigue on flight crew, along with effective mitigation strategies. Additionally, airlines must establish an independent Fatigue Review Committee tasked with analyzing fatigue reports and recommending proactive measures to enhance crew safety and operational integrity.