2 days Ago
Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is likely to review the existing framework for pilot fitness and response system at airports in an instance of a medical emergency. This comes amid the death of an Air India Express pilot soon after operating a flight from Srinagar due to a medical condition in Delhi earlier this month. The pilot, who operated the flight from Srinagar to Delhi was not feeling well after landing at the Delhi airport.
He was taken to the hospital but died there, an official told PTI. The DGCA is likely to review the Standard Operating Procedure pilot fitness and response system at airports. Last week, the Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA) said there is an immediate need to place transparent regulations that prioritise rest for pilots, safety and humane scheduling practices.
ALPA, which claims to represent around 800 pilots of various domestic airlines, is part of the International Federation of Airline Pilots' Association (IFALPA).The association had added that the unfortunate death of the Air India Express pilot raised serious questions about pilot welfare, mental health, and working conditions in the Indian aviation industry.Further, the group had stressed the need for having comprehensive mental health support systems within airline organisations, not merely as checkboxes but as active, accessible, and stigma-free services.
Meanwhile, airlines are set to implement the revised norms on duty and rest hours for pilots in a phased manner starting July 1 that will provide more rest hours for pilots..
