The Indian aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is adamant on implementing the new rules on pilot fatigue from June 1 and has rejected a request by airlines to postpone the norms.
The aviation watchdog has notified the revised rules, which will govern duty hours and rest periods for pilots, in the first month of 2024.
What are DGCA’s new rules on pilot fatigue?
According to the news rules, the weekly rest for pilots has gone up from 36 hours to 48 hours. These rules aim to mitigate fatigue by reducing night-time flying, which can adversely affect alertness levels due to disruptions in the circadian rhythm.