In 2024, the DGCA proposed new Flight Duty Time Limitation norms to align with global practices. However, under pressure from airlines, implementation was postponed indefinitely.
India's aviation sector is soaring, but steep training costs, outdated infrastructure, and the long haul from a commercial licence to the cockpit are keeping pilots grounded.
While expatriate pilots are hired at significantly higher salaries, Indian pilots’ salaries have been stagnant for over a decade, with allowances even being reduced after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Implementation of new norms, introduced in January to ease pilots' working hours, rest periods, has been deferred. Pilots complain of constantly-changing roster & being 'financial slaves'.
India’s aviation space is grappling with more than just a pilot deficit problem as industry experts highlight the need for the government and the aviation regulator to step in.
In a letter, dated 4 April, to Tata Sons Chairperson N Chandrasekaran, Air India pilots' unions alleged that pilot are being subjected to conditions and treatment ‘reminiscent of bonded labourers’.
Vinod Kannan acknowledged there were issues related to stretched working hours & assured pilots of tweaking the rostering system to make it more relaxed, said an insider.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation also plans to adopt a new regime called Fatigue Risk Management System. Changes, announced Monday, need to be implemented by operators by 1 June.
Suspension of operations at India's largest flying school throws into doubt whether pilot training apparatus can now cater to demand for pilots from airlines as fleets expand.
The sudden death last week of an IndiGo pilot heightened those worries although India's biggest airline says he had a 27-hour break before duty and was in good health.
Indians see West Asia as one uninterrupted wash of Islam, but the reality is more complex. For the Druze, support from Israel—where they are a recognised minority—is now critical.
Mini deal will likely see no cut in 10% baseline tariff on Indian exports announced by Trump on 2 April, it is learnt, but additional 26% tariffs are set to be reduced.
India-Russia JV is also racing to deliver 7,000 more AK-203 assault rifles by 15 Aug. These are currently being made with 50% indigenisation and this will surge to 100% by 31 December.
Public, loud, upfront, filled with impropriety and high praise sometimes laced with insults. This is what we call Trumplomacy. But the larger objective is the same: American supremacy.
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