HC says no to rules suggesting less work for pilots

The Bombay High Court today dismissed a petition filed by various pilot associations seeking implementation of DGCA's newly framed rules which proposed less work and shorter duties for them.

The pilots had challenged the DGCA's decision to put on hold the newly framed Civil Aviation Rules (CAR) of 2007 and, instead, continue following the 1992 rules on issues related to their duty hours.

A Division bench of Justices R M S Khandeparkar and Amjed Sayed held that there was "no substance in the grievance about undue strain" that pilots said 1992 rules caused nor was there any merit in the allegation that these rules led to exploitation of pilots.

The judges observed that for the last 15 years there were no complaints regarding the 1992 rules. In fact, Indian Pilots Guild, one of the petitioners, had filed petition against the 2007 rules.

As a result of the High Court decision, the Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) 28 of 1992 will be in operation till a DGCA-appointed committee comes up with amended CAR.