Analytic tools, more rest time proposal present tailwinds to tackle pilot fatigue

New Delhi: As air traffic continues on its northward trajectory and aircraft fleet expands, tackling fatigue among pilots, in a holistic manner, seems to be a focal area for airlines and authorities.

While leading carriers have introduced tools to analyse and keep a tab on pilot fatigue, aviation watchdog DGCA has proposed more rest hours for the pilots, and the new norms, if implemented, could also mean that airlines might have to reduce the number of

flights.

According to two senior commercial pilots, implementation of the proposed DGCA norms will help in addressing fatigue issues and provide a big relief for the pilots.

The draft norms, which have been put out for stakeholders’ comments, proposed more rest time for pilots.

In recent months, the issue of fatigue has been in focus, especially after the death of an IndiGo pilot, who had collapsed at the boarding gate of Nagpur airport in September. And on Thursday, an Air India pilot during a training session showed signs of discomfort and later died at the Delhi

airport.

Air India said the pilot was not on active flying duty and was undergoing conversion training to operate wide-body aircraft.

The country’s largest airline IndiGo’s CEO Pieter Elbers, on November 6, said the issue of pilot fatigue needs a “very considerate, holistic and in-depth approach”.

The carrier, with a domestic market share of more than 62 per cent, has introduced a tool to analyse fatigue among pilots.

“The best way to improve safety is to work in a transparent measure... We are taking the feedback (on pilots’ fatigue) seriously,” Elbers said.

“...We will take international experience, what is the framework for working hours in EU, the US... how does it compare to the Indian framework,” he had said in response to queries about the issue of fatigue among pilots.

According to Elbers, these topics require a very considerate, holistic and in-depth approach.

Air India has also introduced a tool in its rostering system that will help in mitigating fatigue among pilots as well as put in place various initiatives to ensure the stability of rosters and minimise disruptions.

On September 15, Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson said the airline has introduced several new initiatives in tandem that seek to increase the stability of printed rosters and minimise disruptions, utilise standby blocks optimally, and set up efficient communications channels.