In News:

Recent large-scale flight cancellations by a major Indian airline led the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to grant a one-time exemption from the newly implemented Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules. These rules are designed to reduce pilot fatigue by regulating maximum duty hours and ensuring mandatory rest periods. The decision has highlighted DGCA’s critical role in balancing aviation safety with operational realities.

About DGCA

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is India’s statutory civil aviation regulator responsible for ensuring aviation safety, airworthiness, and regulatory compliance in line with international standards.

• Established: 1927 (as a government organisation)
• Statutory Status: Granted under the Aircraft (Amendment) Act, 2020
• Administrative Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA)
• Mandate: Promote safe, efficient, and reliable air transport through regulatory oversight and alignment with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

Key Functions of DGCA

1. Safety Regulation & Oversight

• Frames and enforces Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs)
• Conducts surveillance, audits, and inspections of airlines, airports, MROs, and training institutes

2. Aircraft & Aerodrome Certification

• Registers civil aircraft
• Issues Certificates of Airworthiness
• Certifies aerodromes for operational safety

3. Licensing & Training

• Issues licences to pilots, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs), Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs), cabin crew, and flight dispatchers
• Approves flying schools, AME institutes, and simulator training centres

4. Accident & Incident Investigation

• Investigates incidents and serious incidents (aircraft up to 2,250 kg All-Up Weight)
• Implements aviation safety programmes

5. Air Transport Regulation

• Grants Air Operator Certificates (AOCs)
• Regulates scheduled and non-scheduled domestic and international operations

6. ICAO Coordination

• Aligns Indian aviation standards with ICAO norms
• Participates in global aviation safety audits (USOAP)

7. Dangerous Goods & Air Navigation Oversight

• Certifies operators transporting dangerous goods
• Coordinates civil–military airspace usage

Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL)

FDTL rules regulate:

• Maximum flying and duty hours for pilots
• Minimum mandatory rest periods
• Fatigue risk management

These are crucial for aviation safety, as pilot fatigue is a significant risk factor in accidents.

Significance of DGCA

• Ensures Passenger Safety: Through strict oversight of aircraft airworthiness, pilot training, and crew rest norms
• Maintains Operational Discipline: Enforces compliance with technical and safety regulations
• Balances Safety & Industry Needs: The recent FDTL exemption shows DGCA’s role in managing real-time operational disruptions while upholding safety standards
• Global Compliance: Ensures India meets international aviation obligations under ICAO