India's Aviation Dilemma: Safety vs. Growth

Runway Safety at Karipur Airport:

The Minister raised concerns about the lack of Runway End Safety Area (RESA) at Karipur airport, despite recommendations by AAIB after the 2020 air crash.
Threatened to curtail runway length if land wasn't provided by Kerala government, yet no action has been taken despite impending monsoons.

Revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) Regulations:

Minister announced revised FDTL regulations in January 2024, aiming to address pilot fatigue and enhance safety.
Airlines cited the need for additional crew to meet new requirements, leading to the deferment of the implementation deadline indefinitely by DGCA in March 2024.

Safety vs. Commercial Interests:

Raises concerns about whether safety is genuinely prioritized over commercial interests.
Actions suggest a lack of commitment to safety standards, leaving passengers' safety uncertain.

Call for Accountability:

Passengers are flying "purely on a horoscope," indicating the lack of assurance regarding safety standards.
Urges authorities to prioritize safety and hold airlines accountable for compliance with regulations.

Introduction of Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS):

ICAO has made FRMS mandatory due to studies linking fatigue to accidents and incidents.
Sleep deprivation and impaired reaction times are identified as major causes.

Emphasis on Fatigue Management in Certain Countries:

Countries like Japan, Singapore, and the UK prioritize fatigue management and rest periods for flight crew.
Pilots are given two days off weekly to reset body clocks and recover from cumulative fatigue.
Long-haul flights receive augmented rest upon returning to home base.

Disparity in Working Conditions:

Historical argument that pilots are overpaid compared to ground personnel, despite strenuous working conditions.
Pilots receive only 30 days of annual leave and a day off weekly due to Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) limits.
Ground personnel enjoy weekends off, public holidays, and annual leave totaling 104 days.

Humanizing the Profession:

Advocates for recognizing pilots as human beings with family needs.
Asserts that two days off weekly are essential for pilots to spend time with family and recharge.

Discrepancy Between DGCA Requirements and Reality:

Airlines often prioritize meeting minimum crew requirements outlined by DGCA, overlooking fatigue management and crew well-being.
FDTL CAR suggests crew requirements could be more than double compared to minimum requirements for scheduled transport.

Financial Stress and its Impact on Pilots:

Highlighted cases of pilot suicides linked to financial stress, such as Silkair and Egyptair crashes.
Reports of financial pressure on pilots, like Vistara copilots facing a significant drop in income due to contract changes, potentially compromising their mental state during flights.

Neglect of Pilot Welfare by Management:

Criticism towards Vistara management for pressuring copilots to accept unfavorable contract terms, disregarding their financial stability and mental well-being.
Questioning the airline's commitment to employee welfare, especially concerning pilots who are critical for safe flight operations.

Long-Term Investment in Pilots:

Emphasizes the importance of viewing copilots as future captains and long-term investments in airline growth.
Calls out the failure of airline human resource departments to prioritize pilot welfare, risking losing skilled pilots to competitors who prioritize human values.

Adoption of ICAO Annex 1 Standard:

Suggests India adopt ICAO Annex 1 Standard to recognize foreign licenses, enabling experienced Indian captains abroad to return without unnecessary hurdles.
This would address the pilot shortage by tapping into a pool of qualified and experienced pilots.

Utilization of Retired Pilots for Training:

Criticizes DGCA's rule requiring active pilots for instructor or examiner roles, suggesting acceptance of retired pilots for training roles, especially in simulator training.
Advocates for utilizing retired pilots to conduct mandatory checks on Indian pilots, freeing up trained pilots for active flying.

Modernization and Transparency:

Calls for updating outdated rules from 1937 and addressing corruption within the DGCA and airline management.
Urges the Tata Group to prioritize the human factor in aviation and strive for transparency and brand loyalty.