Boeing 787 Pilots Urge DGCA To Roll Back Flight Duty Time; Cite Safety Risks Due To Restricted Seat Recline

In a recent development, Indian pilots have raised new concerns over the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. They have expressed serious operational and safety worries regarding the regulator’s decision to extend the Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) despite the aircraft’s less reclining cockpit seats. Here’s why. 

Pilots Urge DGCA To Roll Back FDTL Extension On Boeing 787

The Airlines Pilots’ Association of India has urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to roll back the extension given to the Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) for Boeing 787 Dreamliners. You would like to know that FDTL regulations set the maximum working hours and minimum rest periods for flight crew. These are meant to prevent flight fatigue and ensure overall safety.

According to a report by The Times of India, pilots have told the DGCA that this issue poses both operational and safety risks. They have requested the authorities to reconsider the decision. Reportedly, the FDTL has now been stretched for Boeing 787 two-man flight crew operations from 10 hours of flying time to 10.5 hours, while the total flight duty period has increased from 13 to 14 hours.

Also Read: After Uncommanded RAT Deployment, Pilots Urge DGCA To Inspect Electrical Systems Of All Boeing 787 In India

FAA’s Directive On Seat Recline On Dreamliners 

In the past, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a directive restricting the captain’s seat recline function on Boeing 787s due to safety reasons. This restriction directly impacts crew rest during long-haul flight operations. As per a Hindustan Times report, the inability to recline seats not only reduces the effectiveness of in-flight rest but also affects the crew’s overall performance.

The pilots’ association has also criticised the DGCA for allowing extended duty hours despite these seat limitations. They called the move “concerning” and “inconsistent with global safety practices.” Moreover, the association has urged the DGCA to immediately withdraw the FDTL extension for two-pilot Boeing 787 operations and mandate a three-pilot crew for flights exceeding eight hours.

This situation is certainly concerning. The inability to recline seats during long-haul flights can cause fatigue and affect performance. Now, it remains to be seen if the DGCA decides to roll back its decision for Boeing 787s or not.

Also Read: Boeing 757-300 Aircraft With 273 Passengers And 8 Crew Members Catches Fire Mid-Air, Makes Emergency Landing

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Cover Image Courtesy: Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Wikipedia/ Dave Sizer