Unions urge Tata Group to engage in constructive dialogue with pilots amid Vistara crisis
Turbulence in Tata group airline Vistara as pilot unions advocate for better conditions. HR threats risk safety. pilots exploited, overworked, and deprived of rights. DGCA monitoring disruptions. Urging Tata Group to address issues and respect pilots for safety and fairness. Key Points
Economic TimesVistara Airlines could cut flights amid pilot shortage, sources say
Vistara, jointly owned by Tata group and Singapore Airlines, has axed over 125 flights since April 1, as per a source. The cancellations stemmed from a wave of pilot sick leaves in late March. Some pilots took leave to protest a pay cut prior to the impending merger with Tata's Air India. The pilots cited exhaustion from a hectic schedule as a contributing factor. Two Vistara pilots disclosed this information. Key Points
Economic TimesHere's why Vistara flights are getting cancelled and delayed
Vistara, a joint venture between Tata and SIA, faced disruptions with nearly 50 flight cancellations and over 150 delays. Pilots' protests against new contract terms, linked to Air India merger, led to sick leaves clustering by March-end. Changes in salary structure and uncertainty over seniority post-merger add to concerns. Vistara has apologised for inconvenience. Key Points
Economic TimesTo beat pilot fatigue, DGCA raises weekly rest from 36 to 48 hrs
India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has announced new measures to address concerns of pilot fatigue. pilots will now be required to have a 48-hour break at the end of a work week, up from the current 36 hours. The definition of night duty has also been expanded by an hour, and maximum flight duty hours have been reduced for pilots working in night operations. The DGCA said the changes are in line with international best practices and will come into effect by June 1. The regulator will also require airline operators to submit quarterly fatigue reports. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan TimesThe pilots Delivering Your Amazon Packages Are Ready to Strike
Pilots for Amazon’s largest air freight provider voted to strike, complaining of low pay and high turnover. If a strike happens in the new year, Amazon deliveries could be impacted. Key Points
WIRED
The pilots Delivering Your Amazon Packages Are Ready to Strike
Pilots for Amazon’s largest air freight provider voted to strike, complaining of low pay and high turnover. If a strike happens in the new year, Amazon deliveries could be impacted. Key Points
WIRED2 Air Force pilots dead as Pilatus trainer aircraft crashes in Telangana
The two pilots killed in action are an instructor and one cadet, Indian Air Force (IAF) officials said. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident. Key Points
India Todaypilots avoid mental health treatment because of stigma, FAA policies
An Alaska Airlines pilot hid his depression, then allegedly tried to down a flight. Aviation experts say he's not the only one hiding mental illness. Key Points
InsiderDGCA proposes to limit pilot work hours to tackle fatigue
India's civil aviation regulator, DGCA, is proposing significant changes to pilot regulations to ensure better rest and restrict night flight hours. Airlines will now be required to submit a quarterly report on pilot fatigue. The move comes in response to numerous complaints from pilots who feel stretched due to airlines exploiting lax regulations. DGCA's proposed rules include reducing the maximum flight duty period for nighttime pilots to 10 hours, with a maximum of two landings Key Points
Economic TimesHow a soaring Akasa Air got into a wrangle with its pilots
Akasa Air, the airline launched by Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, overtook SpiceJet in terms of domestic market share in June 2023. However, the airline faced trouble when 43 pilots quit without serving the mandatory notice period, leading to flight cancellations and loss of market share. Akasa Air sued the pilots and the aviation regulator, seeking action against the pilots. The courts ruled in favor of Akasa Air, allowing the airline to take legal action against the pilots. Key Points
Economic Times
In a relief to Akasa Air, Delhi HC says DGCA can act against pilots non-compliant with regulations
The Delhi High Court has ruled that DGCA has the authority to take action against pilots who are non-compliant with civil aviation requirements. This decision comes as a relief to Akasa Air, a budget airline that sought action against pilots who left without serving their contractual notice period. The Bombay HC also allowed Akasa Air to proceed with its suit seeking damages from pilots who allegedly exited the company without notice. Key Points
Economic TimesBombay HC allows Akasa Air to proceed in Mumbai against pilots
The Bombay High Court has ruled that Akasa Air can proceed with its suit seeking contractual damages from pilots who exited the company without serving a notice period. The court has said that the company can approach the court in Mumbai. Akasa Air had originally sought compensation of Rs 21 crore from six pilots for leaving without notice. Key Points
Economic TimesBond and notice period for pilots justified only when airline has invested in training them: Air India CEO
“I think if an airline is investing in training people, then it's quite common practice that there is some sort of bond with the organization and if someone leaves before the agreed period, there is a compensatory mechanism for the airline that has invested. This is quite different when the pilot has been already trained by someone else and you pick up because you have a desperate need because you have not prepared or invested in increasing capability,” Wilson said when asked if there should be a notice period for pilots. Key Points
Economic Times'I would've ended up divorced': Why many pilots don't want to get promoted to captain
A first officer helps navigate and operate flights, but a captain is the pilot in command of the plane and is responsible for its safety. A plane cannot fly without a captain. Key Points
Economic TimesAkasa Air hikes pilots' salary by upto 40%
Akasas hike will likely set off salary increases at other carriers to ensure they have enough pilots as Indian airlines fastens induction of new aircraft and Gulf carriers embark on a hiring spree. This is a marked reversal of the pandemic-era aviation squeeze that saw salary cuts and job losses globally. Key Points
Economic Times
pilots offered extra Rs 1 lakh per month to stay at Go Air
The additional pay, which the airline calls a retention allowance, will come into effect on June 1, according to an email to pilots seen by Bloomberg News. It will also be offered to those who have left the company but are willing to withdraw their resignations by June 15. Gos captains currently earn about 530,000 rupees a month on average, according to data on AmbitionBox, compared with 750,000 rupees at SpiceJet Ltd., which has increased wages twice in recent months. Key Points
Economic TimesGo First pilots vexed over DGCA’s one-year notice period rule
With budget airline Go First seeking voluntary insolvency, hundreds of its pilots are jumping ship after months of delayed salaries and other pending dues. But a controversial DGCA rule that mandates a one-year notice period has left cockpit crew furious and helpless. Key Points
The HinduAir India pilots’ union to accept revised service terms
The development comes after last week meeting between pilots and the airline’s chief of operations R.S. Sandhu Key Points
mintNot being treated with respect and dignity: Air India pilots write to Ratan Tata
Air India pilots are upset about a recent change in the salary structure made by the airline without consulting them. In a petition, they have voiced their dissatisfaction against the airline's management and HR team. Key Points
India TodayPilots' bodies at Tata Group-owned Air India say airline makes 'rapid', 'regressive' changes in service co
IPG represents the wide-body aircraft pilots at the airline while ICPA represents pilots who operate the narrow-body fleet of Air India. To help the company, the unions have supported you in good faith for over a year. But still, we are being fed the same non-committal, bidding-for-time excuses while rapid and regressive changes are being introduced unilaterally in our service/ working conditions through organisational announcements and policies, the two unions stated in a joint letter. Key Points
Economic Times
SpiceJet pilots grounded for gujiya-coffee in cockpit: DYK the two flight pilots don't eat the same meal?
Last week, two SpiceJet pilots were taken off flying duties after a viral photo showed a coffee cup precariously balanced on a flight's control panel and gujiya in the cockpit. That incident reminded us of an intriguing aviation practice about pilots eating mid-flight that might interest you. Key Points
India Todaypilots are in demand again, as airlines struggle to find experienced crew
The latest the hiring was triggered by Air Indias massive expansion plans for which last month the carrier placed an order for record 540 aircraft in modern aviations largest ever jet order. As the airline plans to induct more than 90 aircraft in next 18 months, it is facing acute shortage of pilots to the extent that it is offering a monthly salary of $21,000 to hire expat commanders for its Boeing 777 aircraft. Key Points
Economic TimesPilot Project: Indian aviation faces twin troubles
The Indian aviation sector is facing a shortage of trained and experienced pilots even though there are long roster of licensed but inadequately skilled pilots. Lower number of quality trained instructors and the shrinkage of the number of flying clubs are adding to the problem. Key Points
Economic TimesRumble in the cockpit as DGCA defers new duty and rest rules
Indian pilots, represented by FIP, oppose DGCA's delay in implementing new rules on pilot duty citing safety concerns. Airlines push for individualized fatigue monitoring systems instead of uniform regulations for all carriers. Key Points
Economic TimesVistara instability will reduce by this week: CEO Vinod Kannan
Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan announced on Wednesday that the airline's operations would return to normalcy by the end of the week. The airline had canceled approximately 22 flights on Wednesday. Kannan explained that some flights would be reduced to allow more buffer time for pilots in case of unforeseen circumstances. Key Points
Economic Times
Gaganyaan: Why test pilots are best suited for first mission
India News: Learn why test pilots are the best choice for India's first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. Explore the expertise and skills that make them the natural choice for this historic mission. Key Points
Times Of IndiaNat Geo to launch reality series 'Top Gun: The Next Generation'
'Top Gun: The Next Generation' will showcase the trials and triumphs of a diverse group of Navy student pilots as they take on the most formidable flight tests, including the nerve-wracking challenge of landing on an aircraft carrier at sea. The ultimate goal for these aspiring aviators is to master the F-35C Lightning II, the world's most advanced jet. Key Points
Economic TimesLicence renewal issue: Air India sends a strongly worded email to pilots
The mail stated that there have been various instances where the crew has not submitted the required documents or completed the required formalities, which are 'needed to be done w.r.t license renewals' Key Points
mintSpicejet grounds 2 pilots for having gujiya, beverages in flight cockpit on Holi
SpiceJet grounded two of its pilots on the Delhi to Guwahati flight after they were found to be having gujiya and beverages kept on critical console inside the cockpit. An inquiry into the matter is pending, a spokesperson for the airline said. Key Points
India TodayAI pilots union threatens strike
Air India operates 47 weekly flights to the US, including six to Newark and 17 to San Francisco. The airline had earlier acknowledged that there is a limited pool of Boeing 777-rated pilots in India. It had put out advertisements inviting pilots to join the company. Key Points
Financialexpress
Ukrainian pilot pair in Arizona to fly military simulators: US official
Two Ukrainian pilots are in Arizona to fly flight simulators and be evaluated by the US military. The Arizona "familiarization event" is a first and will facilitate dialogue between Ukrainian and US personnel and provide an opportunity to observe how the US Air Force operates. Key Points
India TodayFighter Movie: This Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone starrer has 4 invaluable money lessons
Fighter, released on India's Republic Day, is a patriotic film that follows the story of avenging events in Pulwama with Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone as Air Force pilots fighting against the enemies. But what are the personal finance learnings from this film? We list 4. Key Points
mintDGCA amends duty period rules for pilots to cut fatigue
The regulators action comes after complaints from a large number of pilots that they are being stretched by the airlines using the regulators soft rules which ensures they are not violating the norms. In August, an IndiGo pilot died due to a sudden cardiac arrest at the Nagpur airport minutes before operating the flight. Key Points
Economic TimesAkasa Air has enough pilots; will ensure there are no cancellations: CEO
Akasa Air CEO Vinay Dube allays concerns of pilot shortage, ensuring no flight cancellations. The company plans growth with over 200 aircraft on order, expanding to both domestic and international routes. Key Points
Economic TimesIndia's aviation watchdog reviewing fatigue data after pilot death-source
After the death, hundreds of airline pilots plan to form an association to challenge flying duty regulations they say cause fatigue and jeopardise safety, Reuters reported this week. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has now decided to conduct a review of pilot fatigue data it has collected during spot checks and surveillance of airlines to see if regulations related to flight duty times or fatigue need to be changed, said the official. Key Points
Economic Times
As merger nears, Air India B787 pilots told to fly Vistara aircraft
The pilots will only move once the merger gets an approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Air India and Vistara are the only Indian carriers currently flying Boeing Dreamliners. Air India sent a consent form to its Dreamliner pilots seeking their willingness to go on deputation to Vistara as a line captain on existing emoluments. Key Points
Economic TimesAir India gets DGCA nod for cross utilisation of wide-body pilots; same pilot allowed to fly B777, 787 pla
Aviation regulator DGCA has approved Air India's long-pending request to allow the same pilots to operate two types of Boeing wide-body aircraft, according to officials.Initially, Air India can train a total of eight designated examiners for operating Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft. Key Points
Economic TimesIndiGo makes changes after multiple tail strike of Airbus A321 planes
Investigation by the airline found that while the pilot had entered data for a full flap landing on the aircraft control unit, he had actually deployed the flaps at a reduced angle or at Flap 3 position. Flaps are set in the wings of an aircraft to create drag during a landing or a take-off. A flap 3 landing where three of the four flaps are used, produces less drag and hence requires less thrust reducing fuel consumption. Key Points
Economic TimesDGCA imposes fine of Rs 80 lakh on Air India for violating pilot rest rules
DGCA imposed Rs 80 lakh fine on Air India for breaching pilot rest rules, including crew above 60 flying together, inadequate rest, and marked training records. Violations led to show cause notice and unsatisfactory response. Key Points
Economic TimesSweet pilot dreams may pinch fliers, says airline industry
New rules by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which come into effect from June 1, will need airlines to increase their pilot strength by 20% within three months or cut flights to conform to the rules. We all want to ensure safe flying, but the new rules are incredibly limiting and an over-reaction. This will be disruptive as increasing the number of pilots in such a short time is practically impossible, the CEO of an airline said, asking not to be named. Key Points
Economic Times