Air India Management Accused of Violating Flight Duty Time Limitations

The Indian Commercial Pilot's Association (ICPA) has accused Air India management of violating flight duty time limitations (FDTL) for executive pilots. According to the ICPA, the airline management has been forcing pilots to fly on their mandatory seventh day off and with insufficient rest, which could lead to pilot fatigue and affect flight safety. The ICPA has requested the Director General of Civil Aviation to look into the matter urgently to prevent any situation that could impact flight safety and the lives of innocent passengers.

Key Takeaways:

• Air India management has been accused of violating FDTL for executive pilots, forcing them to fly on their mandatory seventh day off and with insufficient rest.
• The Indian Commercial Pilot's Association has written to the Director General of Civil Aviation to look into the matter and prevent any situation that could affect flight safety.
• The ICPA has asked its members not to undertake flights to Kabul and Kathmandu, citing safety concerns.
• Air India management has been adamant in forcing pilots to fly to critical airfields in violation of safety procedures.
• The ICPA has requested urgent action from the DGCA to prevent any situation that could impact flight safety and the lives of innocent flying passengers.
• The matter has been reported to the DGCA in a letter by ICPA General Secretary Rishabh Kapur.
• Air India management is accused of concealing FDTL violations from the regulatory body, the DGCA.
• The airline is violating AIC 28 of 1992, which states that time spent in office duty prior to operating a flight will be considered for calculation of Flight Duty Time.

Statistics:

• 7th day off: Air India management has been forcing pilots to fly on their mandatory seventh day off, potentially leading to pilot fatigue and affecting flight safety.
• Insufficient rest: Pilots are not being given sufficient rest before flying, which could result in pilot fatigue.
• Flights to Kabul and Kathmandu: The ICPA has asked its members not to undertake flights to these critical airfields, citing safety concerns.
• FDTL violations: Air India management is accused of violating FDTL, despite the airline being aware of the regulations.
• DGCA: The Director General of Civil Aviation has been requested to look into the matter urgently to prevent any situation that could affect flight safety.

Sources:

• PTI, April 20, 2011
• "Management compelling pilots to fly after 7th day off: ICPA" PTI