Shortage of Pilots, Hence a One-Year Notice Period: Aviation Min

Air India aircrafts. Photo used for representational purpose.

(Photo: Reuters)

Regulator DGCA took the decision to have one-year notice period for pilots as there is shortage of commanders, according to union minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju who also observed that flights cannot be held to ransom due to non-availability of pilots.

Last month, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) decided to extend the notice period to be served by senior pilots to one year from six months. Some pilots' unions have voiced their opposition to the move.

The logic (of the decision) was that commanders are in short supply. Basically, that is what it is and there are no restrictions on anything else. Flights can’t be held to ransom.

Gajapathi Raju to PTI in an interview

According to the new regulations, senior pilots will now have to serve a 12-month notice period before joining another airline, with aviation regulator DGCA coming out with new rules notwithstanding opposition from the pilots' community.

Currently, both senior and junior pilots are required to serve a six-month notice period.

With these rules coming into effect immediately, Jet Airways’ pilots’ union has voiced strong opposition to the DGCA decision while there were no immediate comments from the airlines.

It has been decided that pilots working in an air transport undertaking shall give a ‘notice period’ of at least one year in respect of commanders, and six months in respect of co-pilots to the employer indicating his intention to leave the job.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

Also Read: 10 Jet Airways Pilots Grounded; Demand for DGCA Official’s Removal

Pilots’ Union Object Decision

The notice period, however, may be reduced if the air transport undertaking provides a no-objection certificate to a pilot and accepts his resignation earlier than the period stipulated in the amended rules, as per the amended Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR).

Provision of this CAR would be subject to the outcome of writ petition pending before the Delhi High Court, the regulator said.

Sometime back, a petition was filed against the DGCA proposal to increase the notice period for pilots and it is pending before the court.

“During the notice period, neither the pilot shall refuse to undertake the flight duties assigned to him nor shall the employer deprive the pilot of his legitimate rights and privileges with respect to the assignment of his duties,” the watchdog said.

Jet Airways’ pilots’ union said it remains opposed to increasing the notice period.

We seriously object to this new rule. We were opposed to it and we remain opposed to it. We will strongly protest this move along with all pilots from all airlines.

National Aviators Guild (NAG) President D Balaraman

NAG claims to have more than 1,000 Jet Airways pilots as its members.