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India's aviation sector is soaring, but steep training costs, outdated infrastructure, and the long haul from a commercial licence to the cockpit are keeping pilots grounded.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.
SEBI probe concluded that purported loans and fund transfers were paid back in full and did not amount to deceptive market practices or unreported related party transactions.
While Pakistani authorities have not clarified what intended target was, the incident adds to a troubling pattern of PAF strikes killing civilians, including women and children.
Many really smart people now share the position that playing cricket with Pakistan is politically, strategically and morally wrong. It is just a poor appreciation of competitive sport.
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