Action proposed against pilots, who falsely report sick

The country's civil aviation regulator has proposed enforcement action against pilots who have been found to have falsely reported sick to avoid flight duty.

"The proposal is at a draft stage and is being put up for public consultation. It is likely to be finalised by the second week of December 2016," the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement on Monday.

According to the ministry, many cases have come to the notice of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of pilots employed with air transport undertakings having been found to have falsely reported sick, resulting in flight cancellations and delays.

"This has a bearing on flight safety and public interest, leading to last-minute flight delays or cancellation, thereby causing inconvenience and harassment to the passengers," the statement said.

"Against this background, DGCA has proposed a regulation under the provision of Rule 39A(2) of the Aircraft Rules, 1937."

As per the proposal, even those pilots who report late to the aircraft or do not undertake the flight even after reporting for flight duty or are unwilling to follow the dynamic roster well within the FDTL (Flight Duty Time Limitation) will be liable for enforcement action.

--IANS

rv/vt