{"id":43336,"date":"2023-08-29T15:08:28","date_gmt":"2023-08-29T09:38:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=43336"},"modified":"2023-12-03T11:42:08","modified_gmt":"2023-12-03T06:12:08","slug":"air-india-pilots-unhappy-with-a-new-us-jeppesen-roster","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2023\/08\/29\/air-india-pilots-unhappy-with-a-new-us-jeppesen-roster\/","title":{"rendered":"Air India Pilots Unhappy with A New US Jeppesen Roster"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

MUMBAI-<\/strong> The Indian Pilots Guild (IPG), representing Air India (AI)<\/a> pilots, has raised the alarm over fatigue-related issues stemming from the recent duty roster generated by Air India’s newly introduced Jeppesen system, a US-based platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The association, headquartered in Mumbai<\/a>, has highlighted prolonged waiting times between flights as a particular concern for the Airbus 320, as it contradicts efforts to improve crew readiness and results in the gradual build-up of fatigue over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Photo: avgeekwithlens\/ Harsh Tekriwal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Air India Pilots Roster Concerns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A formal letter addressing these concerns was directed to Air India’s Chief of Safety, Security, and Quality, Henry Donohoe, as well as the airline’s CEO, Campbell Wilson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This approach to rostering has a double detrimental effect. It not only jeopardizes safety but also fosters feelings of disregard and embarrassment among our uniformed crew members,” remarked Madhu Narain, the General Secretary of IPG.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The occurrences of extended waiting periods at airport restaurants, departure lounges, and different terminal zones for several hours between flights have been noticed with concerning regularity, as highlighted in the letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Interestingly, these occurrences transpire without the required support or facilitation from our company, and this transpires in plain sight of the traveling public,” Narain further emphasized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In July, Air India announced the implementation of an entirely new rostering system starting in August. This new Jeppesen-developed rostering system even allows the airline’s crew members to exchange flights and select accommodations of their preference during layovers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Air India<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

DGCA FDTL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Amid the race among Indian aviation companies like IndiGo (6E), various Air India brands, and Akasa Air (QP) to onboard sufficient pilots to meet the growing capacity requirements, a substantial number of pilots are preparing to establish an association to challenge the regulations governing flight duties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tragically, a 40-year-old IndiGo pilot recently passed away just before he was scheduled to pilot a flight from Nagpur to Pune.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent times, there has been an observable trend where the unwavering pursuit of operational efficiency and economic advantages has unintentionally overshadowed the primary objective of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) regulations, as highlighted in the IPG’s communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The FDTL, established by the regulatory body Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)<\/a>, guarantees adequate rest intervals for both pilots and cabin crew members, thereby preventing fatigue-related safety risks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These regulations encompass guidelines such as capping daily flying time at 8 hours, a maximum of 35 hours in a week, 125 hours in a month, and 1000 hours in a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“In light of these concerns, we strongly urge the rectification of these gaps within duty schedules and advocate for pilots and crew members to be rostered in a manner that closely aligns flight time with the flight duty period,” Narain emphasized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Air India Pilot Unions Concerned About New Duty Time, Accuses Tata of Not Complying with DGCA Norms<\/a><\/blockquote>