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Pilots' union ALPA India has urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to roll back its recent decision extending flight duty limits for two-pilot Boeing 787 Dreamliner operations, warning that the change increases the risk of fatigue-related errors.
Under the revised norms, the Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) for two-crew Dreamliner operations has been raised from 10 hours to 10.5 hours, while the Flight Duty Period (FDP) has been extended from 13 hours to 14 hours. FDP covers the total time a pilot is on duty until the aircraft comes to a final stop after landing.
Air India, operated by the Tata Group, is the primary Indian carrier flying B787 Dreamliners.
In a letter to the regulator, the Airline Pilots' Association of India said these limits were originally set through scientific research focused on fatigue and safety, and the deviation suggests the DGCA is prioritising commercial considerations over operational safety.
The association also pointed to a US FAA directive that restricts the recline function of the captain's seat on the B787, allegedly worsening in-flight rest conditions.
ALPA India has demanded that the regulator not only reverse the decision but also carry out a comprehensive fatigue risk assessment with pilot involvement before making changes to established thresholds. The group said the move is "dangerously inconsistent with global safety practices".
"Extending duty hours instead of mandating an augmented crew — particularly so soon after the recent fatal accident — raises serious concerns about flight safety,” it noted, referring to the June 12 crash of an Air India Dreamliner shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad that killed at least 260 people.
The union cautioned that long routes, restricted rest capability, night flying and adverse weather together create a high-risk environment for fatigue-induced errors.
Under the revised norms, the Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) for two-crew Dreamliner operations has been raised from 10 hours to 10.5 hours, while the Flight Duty Period (FDP) has been extended from 13 hours to 14 hours. FDP covers the total time a pilot is on duty until the aircraft comes to a final stop after landing.
Air India, operated by the Tata Group, is the primary Indian carrier flying B787 Dreamliners.
In a letter to the regulator, the Airline Pilots' Association of India said these limits were originally set through scientific research focused on fatigue and safety, and the deviation suggests the DGCA is prioritising commercial considerations over operational safety.
The association also pointed to a US FAA directive that restricts the recline function of the captain's seat on the B787, allegedly worsening in-flight rest conditions.
ALPA India has demanded that the regulator not only reverse the decision but also carry out a comprehensive fatigue risk assessment with pilot involvement before making changes to established thresholds. The group said the move is "dangerously inconsistent with global safety practices".
"Extending duty hours instead of mandating an augmented crew — particularly so soon after the recent fatal accident — raises serious concerns about flight safety,” it noted, referring to the June 12 crash of an Air India Dreamliner shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad that killed at least 260 people.
The union cautioned that long routes, restricted rest capability, night flying and adverse weather together create a high-risk environment for fatigue-induced errors.
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