Collins/SEE - Target Air India24 Mar 2024 17:53
Why DGCA is Firm on New Rest Rules for Pilots from June 1; Will This Increase Flight Ticket Prices?
Curated By: News Desk
WHAT IS PILOT FATIGUE AND WHY IS IT FATAL?
The aviation regulator fined Air India two days ago with Rs 80 lakh for violating rules relating to flight duty time limitations (FDTL) and fatigue management system (FMS) for pilots. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is firm on implementing the new rules on pilot fatigue from June 1, which could be dangerous for flight operations and have a negative impact on the crew.
Regarding the Air India case, DGCA said in a statement, “The analysis of reports and evidences revealed that M/s Air India Limited operated flight(s) with both flight crew aged above 60 years flying together in few instances, which is a violation of Sub Rule (2) of Rule 28 A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937”.
The DGCA found Air India “deficient” in providing adequate weekly rest to pilots and crews – before and after the long-haul flights, and during layovers, which could potentially lead to human errors on flight. Additionally, the spot audit also revealed instances of “exceeding duty periods, wrongly marked training records, and overlapping duties, among other violations” as mentioned in an Indian Express report.
When a pilot suffers from lack of alertness and degradation in mental health and physical performance, it can affect his sense of judgment and timing, which can lead to a human error.
https://www.news18.com/explainers/why-dgca-is-firm-on-new-rest-rules-for-pilots-from-june-1-will-this-increase-flight-tickets-8827034.html
The DGCA defines flight pilot fatigue as a physiological and psychological state of tiredness and weariness experienced by pilots due to prolonged periods of wakefulness and/or insufficient restorative sleep.
The term pilot fatigue was identified when a pilot documented it during his flight over Atlantic Ocean in 1927. Charles Lindberg wrote, “My mind clicks on and off… I try letting one eyelid close at a time while I prop the other open with my will. My whole body argues dully that nothing, nothing life can attain, is quite so desirable as sleep. My mind is losing resolution and control.”
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has identified pilot fatigue as a crucial factor for large aeroplanes, and identifies it as “state of well-being and fitness for duties”.
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