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Presenting its submission before Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju, the DGCA stated that the remaining revised regulations would take effect from November 1.
As part of the new guidelines, airlines must ensure that no more than 168 hours elapse between the end of one weekly rest period and the start of the next.
The revised Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) on flight duty time limitations aims to provide pilots with increased rest periods amid growing concerns over fatigue. Initially, the implementation was scheduled for June 1, 2024.
The DGCA outlined its phased implementation plan in an affidavit, considering discussions held with airline representatives, pilot associations, and the civil aviation ministry.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the DGCA, informed the court that significant progress had been made regarding the rollout of CAR. She stated that most regulations would be enforced by July 1, 2025, while certain provisions under further review would be introduced by November 1, 2025.
The case is scheduled for a hearing on February 24.
The court was hearing petitions filed by the Indian Commercial Pilots Association, Indian Pilots Guild, and Federation of Indian Pilots regarding DGCA’s revised flight duty time limitations.
During previous hearings, the pilots’ associations had expressed conditional acceptance of CAR 2024, stating that its implementation would address most of their concerns.
The revised regulations introduce several changes to mitigate pilot fatigue. As per the affidavit, weekly rest periods will be extended from the current 36 hours to 48 hours.
“Operators must ensure a minimum continuous weekly rest of 48 hours, including two local nights, with no more than 168 hours between the end of one rest period and the beginning of the next,” the affidavit stated.
Additionally, the affidavit specified that weekly rest should be provided at the home base or temporary home base.
Under the new CAR guidelines, the maximum flight time for night operations will be restricted to eight hours, while the maximum flight duty period will be capped at ten hours.
Furthermore, the number of night landings will be reduced from the current six to two.
Previously, the Delhi High Court had directed the DGCA to consult with airlines, pilot associations, and the civil aviation ministry regarding the implementation of the revised regulations.
