New Delhi, Sept. 4 -- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday released a draft framework on Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) for airlines, a model that has long been viewed as a scientific way to manage fatigue among flight crew. The draft 'Operations Circular' clarifies that FRMS will not be mandatory. Airlines may continue under existing duty-hour and rest rules, or opt for FRMS as an alternative if they can demonstrate through data and monitoring that safety is maintained. The regulator stressed that responsibility will be shared. Pilots and cabin crew will be expected to monitor their own rest, keep sleep logs and report fatigue, while operators must encourage reporting without penalising staff and design rost...