IndiGo flight: How many hours do the pilots and cabin crew members work? Find out how much salary they get..
IndiGo flight: While air travel is considered comfortable and fast, it requires immense effort from the pilots and cabin crew. Their job may seem glamorous from the outside, but in reality, it is extremely responsible and demanding. The safety of passengers is directly linked to their work, which is why strict rules have been established regarding their working hours and rest periods. In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) determines how many hours pilots and air hostesses can work and how much rest they must receive.
Why are DGCA rules important?
The DGCA is responsible for air safety in India. This organization ensures that no pilot or cabin crew member is excessively fatigued. Excessive fatigue can impair decision-making abilities, potentially jeopardizing safety during a flight. Therefore, the DGCA has established Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules. These rules determine the flight time, ground duty, preparation time, and mandatory rest periods.
What are the duty hours for pilots?
According to DGCA's FDTL rules, pilots can typically work 10 to 13 hours a day. This time depends on whether it's a day or night flight and the type of flight. A pilot can fly a maximum of 60 hours per week and 190 hours per month. After consecutive flights, it is mandatory to give the pilot at least 9 to 12 hours of rest. If a pilot works for 7 consecutive days, the rules require them to be given a special rest period of 36 hours.
What are the work rules for air hostesses?
The DGCA rules for air hostesses, or cabin crew, are similar to those for pilots. Their flight duty is generally 8 to 10 hours a day. Additional crew members are included on long-haul flights to ensure everyone gets sufficient rest. A cabin crew member cannot fly for more than 100 hours per month. In addition, they have to arrive at the airport at least one hour before their duty begins, which is called the reporting time, and this is also included in their duty hours.
Pilot and Air Hostess Salaries
The salaries of pilots and cabin crew vary depending on experience, airline, and position. A fresher air hostess typically earns between ₹25,000 and ₹45,000 per month. With experience, this can increase to ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh or even more. A trainee pilot's salary starts at around ₹50,000. After becoming a captain, a pilot's earnings can reach several lakhs of rupees per month. In airlines like Air India, a captain can earn ₹4.75 lakhs per month or even more. Flight hours and allowances also play a significant role in increasing the salary.
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