Pilots move HC over extension of working hours

Last month, DGCA issued a circular, putting scientifically charted new rules and reverting to rules framed in 1992 concerning the flight time and duty hours of pilots on hold.

The pilots joint action committee comprising three associations of pilots from Air India, Indian Airlines and Jet Airways has challenged the ministry’s and DGCAs action as it meant that their work hours would be lengthened, preventing them from taking longer breaks.

The pilots have stated that the breaks are essential to maintain alertness while in the cockpit. They allege that the circular appeared to have been issued under pressure from airlines which wanted to cut their operational costs following the fuel hike.

Division bench of Jutices S B Mhase and A A Kumbhakoni, which was hearing the petition early this week, adjourned the hearing till June 24 considering the seriousness of the issue, as it concerned the safety of pilots, passengers and also the people on ground in case of a crash.

The judges wanted to know why the DGCA had put the new civil aviation requirement (CAR) in abeyance.

Petitioners lawyer Sanjay Singhvi sought that DGCA continue to follow the 2007 rules while the issue was put before a committee for consultation but the DGCA refused to accept it.

The Court has not passed any order in this regard. Singhvi said that the aviation industry had come a long way since the early 1990s and pilots were more stressed now with more demanding schedules. As a result, they required adequate rest between duties.

He said the DGCA had taken seven months to frame the 2007 rules after approaching the issue scientifically and methodically.