Facebook Instagram Linkedin X-twitter Youtube

About Us
Contact Us
Advertisement

About Us
Contact Us
Advertisement

Aviation Newsletter

WhatsApp Channel

News
Pilot Training
Flight School Analysis
Civil Aviation
Aviation Jobs
Training
Services
More

News
Pilot Training
Flight School Analysis
Civil Aviation
Aviation Jobs
Training
Services
More

Subscribe Now

News
Pilot Training
Flight School Analysis
Civil Aviation
Aviation Jobs
Training
Services
More

News
Pilot Training
Flight School Analysis
Civil Aviation
Aviation Jobs
Training
Services
More

News

Civil Aviation

Pilot Training

Flight School Analysis

Aviation Jobs

Training

Services

About Us

Subscribe Now

Pilots

transparent reporting and genuine implementation by airlines. New Delhi, India: In a new circular dated November 20, the DGCA has ordered stricter measures to address pilot fatigue, signalling a shift in the regulator’s approach from mere duty-hour limits to systemic fatigue-risk management. The DGCA initiated this crackdown after an audit of all scheduled airlines found that many operators were uncertain about the scope and content of “annual fatigue training.” Officials noted that fatigue-reports from crew members had not been reaching DGCA for several months, especially following the implementation of the first phase of revised duty and rest norms on July 1, 2025. Under the broader regulatory overhaul of 2025, the DGCA had already increased the minimum weekly rest period for pilots from 36 to 48 hours and set stricter limits on night duty, night-landing frequency and consecutive night flights. Still, regulators found that merely limiting duty-hours was not enough fatigue risk persisted when scheduling, rostering and crew-management systems failed to account for real-world operational stresses. The new circular aims to close that gap. The new measures mean that airlines must now build internal processes, not just comply with hours-based restrictions. Mandatory training for schedulers/dispatchers, a fatigue-reporting system, and a review committee these steps aim to ensure safety proactively, rather than reactive incident-based enforcement. For flight-crew, this may encourage a culture of openness about fatigue; the quarterly reporting system and independent review could reduce pressure on pilots to “tough it out.” For airlines, compliance will demand more than roster-planning operators will need to implement fatigue-awareness training, document reporting and follow-up, and coordinate across departments (scheduling, operations, HR). The November 25 circular builds on changes introduced earlier in 2025. In February, DGCA told the court that a revised framework for flight duty time limitation (FDTL) would be phased in from July 1, with full implementation by November 1. Under that framework: weekly rest was raised to 48 hours, night-duty definitions were revised, and caps placed on night landings and consecutive night flights. Simultaneously, DGCA released a draft “Fatigue Risk Management System” (FRMS), offering airlines a performance-based alternative to prescriptive duty-hour limits if operators can demonstrate through data that fatigue risk remains low. However, the regulator clarified that adoption of FRMS would remain optional; airlines may choose to continue under the standard duty-hour/rest rules.

DGCA Tightens Pilot Fatigue Rules, Mandates Training And Quarterly Reporting

Aviation Today News Desk November 26, 2025

New Delhi, India: In a new circular dated November 20, the DGCA has ordered stricter measures to address pilot fatigue, signalling

Air Arabia Expands Hiring Drive For Pilots, Cabin Crew, Engineers & Ground Staff

Aviation Today News Desk November 12, 2025

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates: Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s leading low-cost carrier, has launched a major recruitment drive

New Delhi, India: India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is facing strong resistance from pilot unions after it approved a rule extending the maximum flight duty period for Boeing 787 crews by half an hour a move pilots warn could heighten fatigue and compromise flight safety. Under the revised guidelines, the DGCA has increased the permissible flight time for two-pilot operations on Boeing 787 aircraft from 10 hours to 10 hours 30 minutes, and the overall Flight Duty Period (FDP) from 13 hours to 14 hours. The amendment, issued late last week, comes just months before the regulator’s new fatigue management norms under Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) 2024 are scheduled to take effect. Pilot associations, including the Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA-India) and the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), have urged the DGCA to immediately withdraw the extension, calling it “a dangerous precedent that undermines scientific fatigue management.” “This change ignores well-documented evidence linking fatigue with reduced alertness and safety margins, especially during long-haul night operations,” ALPA-India said in a statement. “The Boeing 787’s in-flight rest facilities are already inadequate due to seat recline restrictions, and any increase in flight duty time will directly affect pilot alertness.” The union referred to an FAA airworthiness directive that restricted the reclining function of cockpit rest seats on Boeing 787s, limiting proper rest opportunities for pilots during cruise segments. The Federation of Indian Pilots separately warned that any delay in implementing the full CAR 2024 fatigue norms which had been promised in court could amount to contempt of court. The federation said the DGCA had earlier assured the Bombay High Court that it would enforce the revised duty-time limitations to align with international best practices. As the implementation date for CAR 2024 nears, pilot groups insist that fatigue management should remain rooted in science not scheduling convenience. “Adding half an hour to an already stretched limit is not operational flexibility; it’s operational fatigue,” one senior wide-body pilot told. A DGCA official maintained that the amendment was based on operational data and “falls within safe international norms.” The regulator also reiterated that the upcoming CAR 2024 norms would introduce a Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) to supplement prescriptive duty limits with data-driven fatigue monitoring.

Pilots Warn Of Fatigue Risks As DGCA Extends Flight Duty Hours For Boeing 787 Crews

Aviation Today News Desk October 31, 2025

New Delhi, India: India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is facing strong resistance from pilot unions after

Montreal, Canada: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) concluded its 42nd General Assembly in Montreal with significant decisions impacting global aviation policies. According to Bloomberg Government, delegates at the 42nd ICAO General Assembly voted to maintain the current mandatory retirement age for airline pilots at 65, rejecting the proposal to extend it to 67. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) had advocated for raising the pilot retirement age to 67, arguing that the two-year extension would alleviate pilot staffing shortages without compromising safety. The proposal is supported by examples from countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where there are no strict upper age limits for pilots. IATA emphasized that raising the pilot retirement age aligns with ICAO’s efforts to standardize medical assessments, advocating for consistent oversight to ensure older pilots remain fit to fly. The move also supports broader aviation workforce goals, including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and ICAO’s Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Programme, by helping retain experienced pilots and maintain a steady supply of qualified aviation personnel. However, the proposal faced opposition from pilot unions, including the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which raised concerns about potential health and cognitive risks associated with older pilots. As a result, ICAO delegates voted to retain the existing age limit.

ICAO Retains Pilot Retirement Age at 65, Rejects Proposal to Extend to 67

Aviation Today News Desk October 2, 2025

Montreal, Canada: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) concluded its 42nd General Assembly in Montreal with significant decisions impacting global aviation

Bengaluru, India: A Commercial Pilot scheduled to operate Air India flight AI 2414 from Bengaluru to Delhi collapsed inside the cockpit just before takeoff on Friday morning, triggering a delay and raising fresh concerns about pilot health and fatigue within the aviation sector. Pilot Collapses During Pre-Flight Checks The incident occurred at Kempegowda International Airport while the flight crew was completing mandatory pre-flight procedures. According to sources, the pilot fell ill while signing the aircraft’s technical log, a standard requirement before pushback. Airport medical teams and ground staff responded promptly, and the pilot was transported to a nearby hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition. Air India confirmed the incident stating, “The operating pilot on AI 2414 (Bengaluru–Delhi sector) reported unwell during pre-flight checks and was immediately attended to. A standby pilot was arranged, and the flight departed with a revised schedule. The pilot is under medical care and is stable. All relevant safety procedures were followed.” Flight Departed After Crew Replacement Air India quickly activated its standby crew protocol. The replacement pilot assumed command of the flight after mandatory clearance checks. Flight AI 2414, originally scheduled to depart at 3:05 AM IST, eventually took off at 4:36 AM IST and landed in Delhi at approximately 7:30 AM. Passengers were kept informed during the delay, and no further disruptions were reported. This medical emergency comes just weeks after another concerning incident involving pilot health. On April 9, 2025, a First Officer with Air India Express suffered a fatal cardiac arrest shortly after operating a domestic flight from Srinagar to Delhi. According to reports, the young pilot, identified as Captain Armaan, vomited inside the cockpit shortly after landing. He exited the aircraft and collapsed outside the galley area. Emergency services rushed him to the hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival. The back-to-back nature of these incidents has led to growing concern about health risks among commercial pilots, especially in the wake of demanding flight schedules and overnight duties. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been actively monitoring airline crew rostering practices, particularly at Air India. Earlier this year, the regulator identified multiple violations in flight and duty time limitations (FDTL) and rest requirements. Following an internal audit, Air India removed several officials involved in crew scheduling. The DGCA is also in the process of implementing revised FDTL norms effective July 2025. Key changes include: Increasing weekly rest time from 36 to 48 hours Limiting the number of night landings to two per week Capping consecutive night duties to three Mandatory off-duty period for red-eye (overnight) flights These changes aim to reduce fatigue-related risks and improve operational safety across Indian carriers.

Air India Pilot Collapses Before Takeoff, Raising Alarm Over Growing Crew Health Risks

Aviation Today News Desk July 5, 2025

Bengaluru, India: A Commercial Pilot scheduled to operate Air India flight AI 2414 from Bengaluru to Delhi collapsed inside the cockpit

Air Canada Pilot’s Frustration Over ATC Shortage Goes Public During Tarmac Delay

Aviation Today News Desk May 28, 2025

Picture Credit: Air Canada Vancouver, Canada: A delayed flight, a frustrated pilot, and a candid announcement over the intercom have sparked

Swiss International Air Lines has canceled over 1,400 flights between April and October 2025 due to a shortage of trained pilots and limited aircraft availability. The cuts affect both European and long-haul routes, with the Zurich–Chicago route seeing flights reduced by half in September and October. The airline cites unexpected pilot absences and retraining for the new Airbus A350 fleet as key factors. SWISS is working to rebook affected passengers and urges travelers to stay updated on flight statuses.

SWISS Airlines Cancels 1,400 Flights Amid Pilot Shortage and Fleet Challenges

Aviation Today News Desk May 23, 2025

Picture Credits: Swiss International Air Lines Zurich, Switzerland: Swiss International Air Lines has announced the cancellation of over 1,400 flights between

A Spanish safety report confirms Lufthansa Flight LH1140 flew without a pilot for nearly 10 minutes in February 2024 after the co-pilot suffered a seizure alone in the cockpit. The captain was briefly locked out due to security protocols but regained control after the co-pilot reopened the door. The flight was safely diverted to Madrid. Authorities are urging a review of cockpit access rules and pilot health checks. Lufthansa is cooperating with the investigation.

Lufthansa Flight Flew Unmanned for 10 Minutes After Co-Pilot Collapsed Mid-Flight

Aviation Today News Desk May 17, 2025

Madrid, SPAIN: A Lufthansa Airbus A321 operating Flight LH1140 from Frankfurt to Seville was left without a conscious pilot for approximately

Aerobatic Pilot Rob Holland Dies in Crash at Langley Air Force Base Ahead of Airshow

Aviation Today News Desk April 25, 2025

Picture Credits: Rob Holland Aerosports, Ultimate air shows Virginia, USA: Rob Holland, a world-renowned aerobatic pilot, lost his life on Thursday

Pilot Training in India May Soon Be Open to Arts and Commerce Class 12 Students Too

Aviation Today News Desk April 18, 2025

New Delhi, INDIA: In a significant policy shift, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is considering allowing Class 12 students

« Previous Page1 Page2 Next »

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in X-twitter Youtube

AVIATION TODAY brings the latest in aviation and aims to cater information to professionals and Aviation Enthusiasts about the Industry.

Quick Links

About Us
Contact Us
Services
Advertise
FAQ

Navigate

Latest News
Civil Aviation
Pilot Training
Flight School Analysis
Aviation Jobs
Training

General Support

info@aviationtoday.in

News Desk Support

news@aviationtoday.in

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in X-twitter Youtube

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Disclaimer

About Us
News
Pilot Training
Civil Aviation
Flight School Analysis
Aviation Jobs
Training
Services
More
Contact Us
Advertisement

Aviation Newsletter

Facebook Instagram Linkedin X-twitter Youtube

Pilots

DGCA Tightens Pilot Fatigue Rules, Mandates Training And Quarterly Reporting

Air Arabia Expands Hiring Drive For Pilots, Cabin Crew, Engineers & Ground Staff

Pilots Warn Of Fatigue Risks As DGCA Extends Flight Duty Hours For Boeing 787 Crews

ICAO Retains Pilot Retirement Age at 65, Rejects Proposal to Extend to 67

Air India Pilot Collapses Before Takeoff, Raising Alarm Over Growing Crew Health Risks

Air Canada Pilot’s Frustration Over ATC Shortage Goes Public During Tarmac Delay

SWISS Airlines Cancels 1,400 Flights Amid Pilot Shortage and Fleet Challenges

Lufthansa Flight Flew Unmanned for 10 Minutes After Co-Pilot Collapsed Mid-Flight

Aerobatic Pilot Rob Holland Dies in Crash at Langley Air Force Base Ahead of Airshow

Pilot Training in India May Soon Be Open to Arts and Commerce Class 12 Students Too

Follow Us

Quick Links

Navigate

General Support

News Desk Support

Follow Us