The Delhi High Court, on Monday, instructed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to adhere strictly to the implementation schedule of revised duty and rest norms for pilots, set to commence on July 1, 2025. The directive came during a hearing overseen by Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju, where DGCA’s counsel confirmed that of the 22 updated clauses in the civil aviation requirement (CAR), 15 are slated for rollout in July, with the remainder by November 1, 2025.
The court emphasized the importance of adhering to the timelines outlined in the DGCA’s February 19, 2025 affidavit and scheduled the next hearing for April 1. This response was to a request from the counsel representing various pilots’ associations, who sought assurances that the DGCA would follow through on its proposed dates without delay.
The modifications to CAR 2024, initially set for a June 1, 2024 start, aim to enhance rest periods for pilots to address concerns about fatigue. This includes ensuring that pilots do not work more than 168 hours between weekly rest periods under the new guidelines.
The phased implementation plan has been outlined after extensive consultations among airline representatives, pilot groups, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. According to DGCA’s counsel, substantial progress has been made, with the bulk of the new regulations being ready for the July rollout, while certain aspects that require further consideration will follow in November.
Representatives for the pilots’ associations have tentatively accepted CAR 2024, contingent on specific conditions being met. They believe that the successful implementation of these changes will resolve many of their current grievances, particularly those related to pilot fatigue.
Key changes under the new CAR include increasing the minimum weekly rest from 36 to 48 hours and ensuring that this rest includes two local nights, with no more than 168 hours between the end of one rest period and the start of the next. Additionally, the regulations will require that weekly rests be provided at the pilot’s home base or temporary home base.
Flight operation norms at night have also been revised, with the maximum flight time reduced to eight hours and the duty period capped at ten hours. The number of permissible landings during night hours will also be decreased from six to two.
