DGCA Rules, Air Hostess Pilot Duty Hours: Controversy continues to swirl around Indigo Airlines. Passengers are becoming increasingly distressed due to disruptions in their operations. Find out what DGCA rules have established for the working hours of pilots and air hostesses.
Add informalnewz.com as a Preferred Source
Air Hostess Pilot Duty Hours: The jobs of air hostesses (cabin crew) and pilots in the Indian aviation industry are considered demanding and lucrative. However, behind the glamour of these jobs lie strict regulations and rigorous working hours, directly related to passenger safety. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the top body that regulates these duty hours. The DGCA’s primary objective is to ensure that flight crews do not make mistakes due to excessive fatigue.
A tired pilot or air hostess can pose a serious threat to flight safety. Therefore, duty hours are scientifically designed, including flight time, ground duty, preparation time, and mandatory rest periods. DGCA regulations, known as Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules, set limits on crew members’ work and rest. These rules also dictate how long pilots and air hostesses should rest between flights.
How many hours do air hostesses and pilots work?
The rules are even stricter for night flights, continuous duty hours, and long journeys. All airlines are required to strictly adhere to these rules. These FDTL rules ensure that crew members are always physically and mentally alert, fully prepared to handle any emergency during flight.
DGCA FDTL Rules for Pilots
| Deadline | Maximum duty hours |
| In 1 day | 10 to 13 hours (depending on the nature of the flight and the time of day) |
| In 1 week | Up to a maximum of 60 hours |
| In 1 month | Up to a maximum of 190 hours |
| Mandatory rest between consecutive flights | At least 9 to 12 hours |
| Interesting facts | If a pilot is kept on duty for 7 consecutive days, then under DGCA rules he has to be given mandatory rest of 36 hours. |
Rules for Air Hostess (Cabin Crew)
Air hostesses’ duty hours are also covered under FDTL regulations and are similar to those of pilots. They too must ensure flight safety.
| Deadline | Maximum duty hours |
| In a day (flight) | 8 to 10 hours (extra crew on long flights) |
| In 1 month | More than 100 hours |
| Interesting facts | Cabin crew must arrive at the airport at least one hour before their duty hours begin. This is called “reporting time,” which also counts towards their duty hours. |
Why are DGCA regulations necessary?
These DGCA regulations are designed to prevent crew fatigue. Excessive fatigue slows reaction time, increasing the risk of an emergency. Violating these regulations can result in heavy fines for airlines. These regulations are periodically updated, but the basic limits (such as maximum duty hours per day, weekly rest periods) have long been the standard for flight crew safety and fatigue management.
Read More: Flying car that can fly without a pilot’s license has arrived, the price is this much
