DGCA Takes Decisive Action Against Pilot Fatigue
In a significant move to enhance aviation safety, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced comprehensive measures to address the critical issue of pilot fatigue that has been plaguing Indian airlines. The regulatory body, led by chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, has mandated that airline schedulers and dispatch staff must undergo specialized training in fatigue management to ensure they create rosters that allow only well-rested pilots to operate flights.
New Fatigue Management Requirements
The DGCA has made it compulsory for all airlines to implement a three-pronged approach: a fatigue risk management policy, a fatigue reporting system, and a system for monitoring flight crew fatigue. This comes as a direct response to long-standing complaints from pilots of major Indian carriers about demanding schedules that lead to stress and potentially compromise flight safety.
Fatigue training will now become a regular component of the annual ground training (AGTR) for all operators. The DGCA emphasizes that this training must be conducted by qualified staff and should cover the effects of fatigue on flight crew along with measures to mitigate it.
Comprehensive Training Syllabus
The mandated training program includes several critical components:
- Regulatory requirements for flight, duty, and rest periods
- Fundamentals of sleep and the impact of disturbing circadian rhythms
- Various causes of fatigue, including underlying medical conditions
- Effects of fatigue on pilot performance and safety
- Countermeasures to combat fatigue
- Influence of lifestyle factors like nutrition, exercise, and family life
- Understanding sleep disorders and available treatments
- Impact of long-range operations and intensive short-range schedules
- Effects of operating across multiple time zones
- Crew responsibility for ensuring adequate rest and fitness
Implementation and Monitoring Framework
Airlines are required to issue a fatigue reporting policy as a circular to all stakeholders and establish an independent Fatigue Review Committee. This committee will be responsible for analyzing fatigue reports and recommending measures to reduce fatigue risks.
The DGCA has also instituted a quarterly reporting requirement where airlines must submit detailed fatigue reports. These reports will include information such as the number of crew trained, fatigue reports received, and the status of these reports (accepted or rejected with reasons). Additionally, the regulator has specified that fatigue off periods must be at least 24 hours and include one local night to ensure proper recovery.
This comprehensive approach represents a major step forward in addressing a critical safety concern that has been raised repeatedly by aviation professionals across the country.
