The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on August 04, 2023, issued a notification regarding the Watch duty time limitations (WDTL) and rest requirements for Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) engaged in the provision of air traffic services.
The following has been stated: -
•Rule 116 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 stipulates that every holder of an Air Traffic Controller (ATCO)’s license shall follow the watch duty time limitations (WDTL) specified by the Director General.
•The WDTL contained in this CAR is applicable to all Air Traffic Service provider(s) and licensed ATCOs engaged in the provision of air traffic services. The provisions of this CAR are equally applicable to the students and trainee air traffic controllers undertaking live traffic OJT.
•There must be at least 12 hours between the end of one duty period and the beginning of the next duty, except for airports having split watch hours and the interval between watch hours is 5 hours or more with the total period of watch hours (including the break in between) is 12 hours in a day.
•DGCA may carry out an inspection/audit of Air Traffic Service Providers and ATCOs at any time to ensure compliance with the provision of the CAR. Relevant records and log books shall be provided promptly to DGCA officers during such inspections/audits.
The detailed notification is given in the document attached below.
[Notification No. DGCA-21048/2/2022-ANS]
