Airlines resist more rest hours for pilots

Mumbai: Airlines in India are fighting a new set of rules that aim to increase the rest period for pilots.
For the fourth time in the last seven months, airlines in India have managed to get the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) to postpone the deadline for implementing the new rules, which are on a par with the practices followed in Australia, the UK and the US.
The industry’s resistance to the change stems from two factors: one, it will have to recruit more pilots, which means increased expenditure. Secondly, there is a dearth of experienced commanders in the market.
“… the airlines have managed to get the implementation postponed. The last deadline was August 1, which has now been deferred to August 16 after airline officials made a representation to DGCA asking for more time,” said an aviation source.
07/08/07 Manju V/Times of India