Cabin Crew May Soon Get Longer Rest and Fewer Landings: DGCA Draft Rules
The civil aviation industry in India might be revolutionised, but this change is going to be about the invisible support staff who maintain safety in the flights. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has published new draft regulations that would enable the cabin crew to get more rest time along with fewer landings per duty period. This clearly shows that the regulator is giving utmost importance to crew health and flight safety.
Why This Matters
The cabin crew is one of the few front-line personnel in aviation who endure fatigue, which is often described as the biggest risk in aviation. India’s previous legislation on crew duties was more stringent and in a way, completely disconnected from the current operational challenges and realities of the ever-growing aviation market. This new drafts are thus made to close the gap and bring India at par with the global standards of safety.
Key Highlights of the Draft Rules
- Maximum landings reduced: For an 11-hour duty, the crew member may perform a maximum of six landings. However, the number of landings will decrease steadily — five at 11.5 hours, four at 12 hours and three at 12.5 hours.
- Rest periods extended: Traveling across three time zones will necessitate a minimum of 18 hours of rest, and a journey through seven zones will require 36 hours of mandatory rest.
- Focus on fatigue management: The draft provides structured rest periods in order to avoid fatigue and improve in-flight performance.
Strategic Importance
The idea is not only about rest but also about an internal boost to the safety of the aviation industry. A crew that has had enough sleep is more intelligent, alert and trained to manage the unforeseen. Furthermore, this move will challenge the airlines to rethink their scheduling and crew rotation, thus making the whole system more efficient.and humane.
Final Thoughts
If these rules come into effect, they’ll represent a meaningful upgrade in India’s aviation framework. It’s a move that balances operational efficiency with the well-being of those who ensure flights run smoothly. For passengers, it ultimately translates into safer skies and better flight experiences.
Source: India Today
