Business jet operators seek longer pilot duty limits as long-range fleet grows

India's business aviation sector has sought changes to pilot duty regulations to better accommodate long-range charter operations, with the Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA) requesting revisions to existing rules governing flight duty time and diversion requirements.

According to PTI, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is likely to constitute a committee to examine the proposals and recommend possible changes after recent discussions with the industry body.

The proposals centre on Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) and Extended Diversion Time Operations (EDTO), both of which play a key role in determining how charter flights are planned and operated.

Longer-range aircraft drive demand for revised rules

Industry representatives told the news agency that India's growing fleet of advanced business jets has expanded long-range flying capabilities, creating the need to review operational limits in line with international practices.

Among the key proposals submitted by BAOA are:

• Alignment of FDTL norms for long-range business jets with global standards.
• Revision of pilot duty limits to reflect the capabilities of newer long-range aircraft.
• Relaxation of EDTO requirements by increasing the diversion time limit to 120 minutes from the current 90 minutes.

According to the report, BAOA represents more than 100 organisations engaged in business and general aviation across India.

Current rules govern pilot fatigue and flight planning

Existing FDTL regulations for Non-Scheduled Operators (NSOPs) prescribe limits on the flying and duty hours of pilots and cabin crew based on multiple operational factors.

Business jet operators currently implement these rules through a fatigue risk management system, which is designed to manage crew alertness while maintaining operational safety.

The proposed changes are intended to reflect the operational profile of modern long-range business aircraft without altering the underlying fatigue management framework, according to industry sources cited by PTI.

The association has also sought revisions to EDTO rules, which determine how far an aircraft may operate from a suitable diversion airport.

Under the current framework:

• Aircraft must remain within 90 minutes of a suitable airport during flight.
• The proposed revision would extend this limit to 120 minutes for eligible operations.

DGCA expected to examine proposals

According to industry sources cited by PTI, the DGCA is considering forming a dedicated committee to review the industry's recommendations on FDTL norms for business aviation.

The report also said the regulator is viewing the request to revise EDTO requirements positively.

Any changes would follow a regulatory review and could help align India's business aviation framework more closely with international operating practices while supporting the expanding use of long-range business jets.