Directorate General of Civil Aviation orders probe into Jet Airways pilot violating Flight Duty Time Limit

NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a probe on the anonymous complaint against a Jet Airways pilot who reportedly violated Flight Duty Timing Limit (FDTL) while operating a Mumbai-London flight on three occasions.

The violations were allegedly committed by captain Balaraman, whose termination in 2008 had sparked off a strike by pilots in the airline.

DGCA chief Arun Mishra said, "A probe has been ordered and I cannot comment until it is complete."

Flight duty time is the total time commencing from the time of reporting at the airport for the purpose of operating a flight and ending with the termination of a flight or a series of flights.

In the complaint, it was alleged that the pilot operated the Mumbai-London long haul flight (on August 12, August 18 and September 11) in a severely fatigued state which jeopardized the safety of the aircraft and passengers.

The DGCA has sought details of the transport arrangement provided to the pilot for flying Mumbai-London flights on the three dates mentioned in the complaint.

The complaint revealed that the pilot lived in Chennai and flew to Mumbai in the evening to operate the late night Mumbai-London Boeing 777 flight, which is a gross violation of FDTL as per international regulations. Ideally, pilots on international flights must have 14 hours of rest.

In an email response, a Jet Airways spokesperson said the airline was in touch with DGCA and would not like to comment.

The complaint also said the airline allowed Balaraman to travel as ACM (additional crew member) on domestic flights to reach Mumbai.

The complaint said it was shocking that the airline did not do anything to rein in the pilot violating the rules of DGCA.

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