Pilots are facing intimidation and coercion to extend their Flight Duty Time Limitations: Air India Pilots’ Union

The Air India Pilots' Union in accordance with the Indian Pilots’ Guild (IPG) and the Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA) has written a letter to the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) over alleged violation of the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) by Air India. “It has come to our notice that some pilots are facing intimidation and coercion to extend their FDTL beyond the prescribed limits by DOPS and base managers, including threats of jeopardising their career progression. In the past months, it has been learnt that the Delhi based operations team has threatened a few of the pilots when they denied operating flights beyond their duty time limitations. We believe that our duty is not only to the company, but also to the safety of the passengers and the reputation of the aviation industry. We request your immediate intervention to investigate these allegations and put any coercive practices related to FOIL extensions. Trust that you will take the necessary steps to address the situation promptly,” the letter mentioned. 

The FTDL prescribes a rest of 36 hours after every week of work and a limitation of 13 hours for pilots working during night. The DGCA has increased the period of rest to 48 hours and the limitation of work during night to 10 hours. These are, however, yet to come into effect.