Fitness test for AI pilots now
Air India pilots who were on strike will have to establish their medical fitness after reporting back to duty. Even though the 58-day strike by 434 pilots of Air India has ended, it will take another three months or so before international operations of Air India resume their normal schedules and regular flights. There are still some issues to be resolved, including the termination of 99 pilots. Sources in the Indian Pilots Guild said that even though 334 pilots have signed the register bearing ‘joining/willingness to join’ duty, so far, the resumption still hangs in the balance.
These pilots had not reported for work pleading ‘sick’ and now as per rules, need medical fitness certificates after 15 days’ absence. Pilots who have reported for duty will be sent for Class I medical exams or fitness checks at Air Force Central Medical Establish-ment (AFCME), New Delhi, and Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bengaluru, a process that might take two-three months depending on availability of slots usually booked by various Commercial Pilot License holders.
“This process laid down by Directorate General of Civil Aviation, however, can be expedited, if medical tests are conducted at other hospitals of Indian Air Force dealing with aviation medicine and having squadrons of fliers etc,” said a pilot of Air India. “In a recent meeting with Air India management, arbitrated by the chief labour commissioner, the management asked for 10 days’ time. This, they wanted for looking into what they call ‘new demands’. But these are actually problems which arose due to the strike including management issuing termination letters, de-recognition of IPG, cancellation of licenses etc. We are going to submit a report in this regard,” said an IPG office-bearer.
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