Thu Apr 17 01:42:56 UTC 2025: ## DGCA to Review Pilot Fitness Standards Following Pilot’s Death
**New Delhi, April 17, 2025** – The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will review its framework for pilot fitness and airport medical emergency response systems, a senior official announced today. This follows the recent death of an Air India Express pilot in Delhi shortly after landing a flight from Srinagar. The pilot, who reportedly felt unwell after landing, passed away at a hospital.
The review will encompass pilot fitness assessments, emergency response procedures at airports, and related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). While specifics remain undisclosed, the move comes in response to concerns raised by the Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA).
ALPA, representing approximately 800 pilots from various domestic airlines, has urged the implementation of transparent regulations prioritizing pilot rest, safety, and humane scheduling. They highlighted the pilot’s death as raising serious questions about pilot welfare, mental health, and working conditions within the Indian aviation industry. The association stressed the need for comprehensive and accessible mental health support systems within airlines.
The DGCA’s review is expected to address these concerns. Meanwhile, airlines are preparing to implement revised duty and rest hour norms for pilots in phases, beginning July 1st, to provide increased rest periods.
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