INDIAN COMMERCIAL PILOTS ASSOCIATION

CENTRAL OFFICE
UNITY

INTEGRITY

DIGNITY

SAFETY

Ref: ICPA/SR/MAA/2015 (GS)/182

2nd April 2015.
To:
The Director General
Directorate General of Civil Aviation
Aurbindo Marg, Safdarjung Airport,
New Delhi - 110 003.
Sub: Stressed Co-pilots of Air India IGRUA batch.
Dear Madam,
We are writing to appraise you of one more dangerous situation that is looming in Air India. A
batch of Co-pilots from IGRUA were inducted into Air India on the terms of Permanent
Employment. One fine day, the management had decided to unilaterally change the terms of
employment for these co-pilots from that of a permanent employment to one of contract.
1. These co-pilots are being paid an ad-hoc payment for more than 18 months which
amounts to less than 1/3rd of their actual salary.
2. Forced to work overtime without any remuneration.
3. No payment for domestic night stops which adds up to their financial burden.
4. Not allowed to take any kind of leave and these co-pilots even at times of illness are
dragging themselves to work fearing a further reduction in their ad-hoc salary which is
a flight safety hazard.
5. The management has been threatening these co-pilots with dire consequences if they
do not agree to the change in terms of employment (contract) and till such time the
ad-hoc payment continues.
These co-pilots had submitted their plea to the management pleading for justice but
unfortunately even this fell on deaf ears. They are under immense financial stress as it is greatly
affecting their livelihood and the same has been communicated to the management in
writing.

..2
C/O - AIR INDIA LIMITED, AIRLINES HOUSE, MEENAMBAKKAM, CHENNAI 600 027. INDIA.
Phone: (Direct) 044 2256 1552, 2256 1971 Ext: 4050. Mobile: 09551 9551 96.
Email: icpachennai27@hotmail.com

INDIAN COMMERCIAL PILOTS ASSOCIATION

CENTRAL OFFICE
UNITY

INTEGRITY

DIGNITY

SAFETY

.2.
Madam, piloting an aircraft is a huge responsibility placed on the shoulders of each airline pilot
and is a high-pressure and stressful job. Several hundred people's life's are in jeopardy if a pilot
commits a mistake. At times of equipment malfunction, turbulence or emergency a pilot must
remain calm and collected in order to maintain the safety of his passengers and flight crew.
How can a pilot of Air India perform his duties in a calm and collected order when he is already
highly stressed? It is disappointing to note the managements innocence in understanding the
importance of flight Safety which has an adverse effect on our innocent passengers, aircraft and
crew.
While the pilots of Air India are already a disgruntled lot due to the 25% pay cut for the past 32
months and deteriorating working conditions, putting these highly stressed and financially
over burdened co-pilots in the same cockpit, especially in a classic A320 aircraft which are
prone to snags is a perfect recipe for disaster. We hope DGCA will act on this serious Flight
Safety issue with swift action to avert any tragedy.
Assuring you of our co-operation at all times.
Regards,

(CAPT. T. PRAVEEN KEERTHI)

GENERAL SECRETARY
Cc:

Executive Director (Flight Safety), AIL, New Delhi.

Executive Director (Ops), AIL, New Delhi.
Executive Director (P & IR), AIL, New Delhi.

C/O - AIR INDIA LIMITED, AIRLINES HOUSE, MEENAMBAKKAM, CHENNAI 600 027. INDIA.
Phone: (Direct) 044 2256 1552, 2256 1971 Ext: 4050. Mobile: 09551 9551 96.
Email: icpachennai27@hotmail.com