Pilots rest rules: AI yet to take off

Mumbai: Air India and Air India Express, the country’s national carriers, are yet to implement a new rule that allows pilots longer breaks between flights with the objective of reducing fatigue, which accounts for 70% of aviation accidents.
The Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) deadline for implementation of the new rule was August 16. All the other airlines, including Indian Airlines, have implemented the rule.
A circular, dated August 16, issued by Capt P P Singh, chief operating officer, Air India Charters (the company that owns AI Express) says, "As far as AI Express is concerned, till revised instructions are received from the DGCA, we will be continuing under the provision of AIC 28 of 1992 of flight limitation of 9 hours and 3 landings (the old regulation)."
Director General of Civil Aviation, K Gohain confirmed that the two airlines had asked for more time for implementation of the new rules.
However, the pilots’ unions have not taken kindly to the airlines reluctance in applying the new rules. "It’s in complete violation of the rule. The deadline has not been honoured. We want that all airlines in India should follow the new set of rest rules. They are well-researched guidelines followed by countries like the US and the UK," said Capt R Otaal, general secretary, Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA).
30/08/07 Manju V/Times of India

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Categories: Air India Aug 2007, Air India Express Aug 2007, Safety Aug 2007