The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on October 08, 2024, issued the notification regarding the Standard Procedures of Manning of cockpit during Non-Critical Phases.
The following has been stated namely: -
• The "Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM)" and "Safety and Emergency procedures (SEP) Manual" of all aircraft/Operators requires that at all given times the Cockpit has to be manned by Minimum crew compliment.
• In case one of the crew members has to leave the cockpit during the non-critical phases of flight, the cabin crew is required to be inside the cockpit and occupy the observer seat.
• In case one pilot leaves the flight deck, cabin crew shall be in the flight deck and will occupy one of the observer seats. The procedure to be followed is as follows: -
o Prior to opening the Flight Deck door, the forward galley area should be free of passengers.
o The absence should be restricted to the minimum time necessary.
o The flight deck door is locked whilst crew member is absent. The forward galley area must remain sterile during the absence from the flight deck.
• The cabin crew shall remain in the flight deck till such time the flight deck crew member returns to the flight deck.
[Notification No. DGCA-15021/7/2022-DAS]
