Overview of Aviation Sector Disruptions
Recent disruptions in India's aviation sector, notably the wave of flight cancellations by IndiGo, have highlighted the importance of new fatigue and rest norms developed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Reasons for Flight Cancellations
- Flight cancellations are primarily due to IndiGo's scheduling gaps and crew planning issues, not the new DGCA regulations.
DGCA's New Fatigue and Rest Norms
- Weekly Rest Period: Increased from 36 to 48 hours.
- Night Landings: Reduced from six to two landings per pilot.
- Definition of Night Duty: Expanded to restrict flying in biologically unsuitable hours.
- Additional Regulations:
- Limits on consecutive night duties.
- Mandatory fatigue risk reporting.
- Enhanced roster oversight.
- Regulated transition timelines.
Global Practices and Implications
The updates align with global practices in the US and Europe, where rules on duty hours and mandatory rest have reduced fatigue-related incidents.
Physiological Challenges in Aviation
- Unique stresses include lower atmospheric pressure, temperatures, and the effects of acceleration.
- Pilots work across time zones, affecting the circadian rhythm, melatonin secretion, sleep, and leading to sleep debt.
Physiological Effects of Fatigue
- Immediate effects: slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and intermittent microsleeping.
- Chronic effects: higher blood pressure, metabolic disturbances, and cardiovascular risk.
Broader Occupational Risks
Fatigue is a factor not only in aviation but in various sectors like healthcare, transport, and media, where operational risks due to fatigue remain under-regulated.
Conclusion
The DGCA's rules are commendable for emphasizing human physiology in aviation policy.
