Take broader long-term view to strengthen aviation safety standards Sena MP Deora

Mumbai, Jun 23 (PTI) In the aftermath of the horrific June 12 Ahmedabad plane crash, Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora on Monday urged the civil aviation ministry to take a broader and long-term view on how to strengthen aviation safety standards in the country.
Any systemic review must also take into account the mental and physical well-being of India's pilots and cabin crew, he said in a letter to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.
"Even though the DGCA's ongoing investigation will no doubt shed light on the specific causes of the incident, the moment also presents an opportunity to take a broader and long-term view of how to further strengthen aviation safety standards in India," Deora asserted.
"Having interacted with aviation professionals over the years, I have come to appreciate the immense pressures they face- from long, irregular hours to demanding schedules that often stretch physical and mental limits. These pressures can accumulate silently, even among the most competent and well-trained professionals,'' he said.
Deora said there should be a review of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) to ensure alignment with international best practices and updated scientific research on fatigue and cognitive performance.
"There should be a Mental Wellness Framework. There should be a provision to institutionalise confidential counselling and psychological support systems for crew members, especially after high-stress flights or near-miss situations. Ensure robust enforcement of rest periods and prevent any informal pressure on crew to operate flights when they may be unfit, even if technically within prescribed limits," he said in the letter.
Deora said modules on managing fatigue, emotional health, and decision-making under pressure must be integrated into regular crew training programmes, adding that a non-punitive, anonymous channel for crew members to raise concerns about schedules, fatigue, or systemic issues without fear of reprisal must be established.
"Passengers will only feel safe if those operating the aircraft feel safe, supported, and empowered. Investing in the health and morale of our aviation personnel is not only humane. It is strategic," the former Union minister said.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)