The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has slapped a hefty fine of Rs 80 lakh on Air India for violating flight duty time regulations (FDTL) and the fatigue management system (FMS).
The punitive action was taken following a January audit that revealed several breaches, including insufficient weekly rest periods for the crew, inadequate rest before and after ultra-long-range flights, and during layovers.
The audit also brought to light instances where pilots exceeded their duty periods, which were incorrectly recorded as training periods. Such violations pose significant risks to flight safety and the well-being of passengers.
An analysis of reports and evidence showed that Air India Limited had, in some instances, operated flights with both flight crew members aged above 60 years flying together. This is in violation of Sub Rule (2) of Rule 28 A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937.
The operator was also found lacking in providing adequate weekly rest, sufficient rest before and after ultra-long-range (ULR) flights, and adequate rest on layover to flight crew. These violations are contrary to the existing provisions of the Civil Aviation Requirements pertaining to FDTL.
In a related development, the aviation regulator had earlier imposed a fine of Rs 30 lakh on Air India when an 80-year-old passenger collapsed during the immigration process on February 12 and subsequently died.
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