The aviation regulatory body has granted Air India a limited exemption regarding flight and duty time limitations for specific long-haul Boeing 787 flights. This decision comes as a response to operational challenges caused by the closure of Pakistani airspace and anticipated changes in wind patterns during the winter, which have led to longer flight times on European routes.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has clarified that this is not a blanket extension for all Air India Boeing 787 operations. The exemption applies only to select flights where the flight time and duty period increase after departure. Specifically, the Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) for two-pilot Boeing 787 operations has been extended to 10 hours and 30 minutes from the standard 10 hours, while the Flight Duty Period (FDP) has been increased to 14 hours from 13 hours. The DGCA has emphasized that the extension of up to 30 minutes in flight time and up to one hour in FDP will only be applicable in cases where duty periods are extended after the flight has commenced, and not during the initial flight planning phase. The FDP refers to the period from when a flight crew member reports for duty until the aircraft comes to rest after completing the flight.
This decision has sparked debate, with the Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA India) urging the DGCA to withdraw the relaxation. ALPA India raised concerns that the move could lead to "fatigue-induced errors," potentially compromising flight safety. The pilots' body argued that the DGCA's decision appeared to prioritize operator convenience and commercial interests over the core objective of ensuring flight safety. They also highlighted a US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directive that restricts the recline function of the captain's seat on the Boeing 787 due to safety concerns, which has reportedly impacted crew rest quality during flights.
The DGCA has addressed these concerns by stating that the exemption is a one-time approval, limited to nine Dreamliner flights on European routes, and was issued after careful consideration and in compliance with safety oversight requirements for the winter schedule. As part of fatigue mitigation measures, Air India is required to submit monthly fatigue reports. Additionally, no training flights will be conducted under this exemption, and pilots operating these flights will be granted one additional hour of rest. Air India has also been instructed not to plan Boeing 787 pilot rostering based on this dispensation, as it is intended only for situations where headwinds prolong the journey. The airline has been directed to expedite the training of more pilots.
The aviation body's decision comes in the wake of increased scrutiny of Air India's Boeing 787 fleet. Earlier in October, the Federation of Indian Pilots wrote to the Minister of Civil Aviation, requesting a thorough check of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes in the country, particularly concerning potential faults in electrical systems.
