News Analysis India

Tag: DGCA

  • Improper training of 90 pilots: DGCA issues notices to SpiceJet, training organisation CSTPL

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Indian aviation regulator DGCA has issued show-cause notices to SpiceJet and training organisation CSTPL for not imparting proper training to 90 pilots on the 737 Max simulator, officials said on Thursday.

    Earlier this week, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) barred 90 SpiceJet pilots from operating Boeing 737 Max aircraft after finding them not properly trained.

    The officials said the stick shaker — an equipment that vibrates when the aircraft is unable to lift itself — was not functioning in the Max simulator of CAE Simulation Training Pvt Ltd (CSTPL) when the aforementioned pilots were getting trained.

    Therefore, the DGCA has issued show-cause notices to SpiceJet and CSTPL, they added.

    In a statement, a SpiceJet spokesperson said, “We have received a communication from the regulator on the matter and the airline shall submit its reply within the specified period.”

    “We would like to reiterate that safety and security of our operations and passengers are of utmost importance which is manifested in our outstanding track record. None of our operations are compromised and they are in line with the international safety standards,” the spokesperson added.

    The 90 pilots have to undergo training again in a proper manner on the Max simulator.

    CSTPL did not respond to PTI’s request for a statement on the matter.

    The Boeing 737 Max planes were grounded in India by the DGCA on March 13, 2019, three days after the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines 737 Max aircraft near Addis Ababa which killed 157 people, including four Indians.

    The ban on the planes was lifted in August last year after the DGCA was satisfied with US-based aircraft manufacturer Boeing’s necessary software rectifications in the aircraft.

    Proper pilot training on the simulator was also among the conditions set by the DGCA for removing the ban on the Max planes after a span of 27 months.

    SpiceJet is the only Indian airline that has the Max aircraft in its fleet.

    Akasa Air, the new airline backed by ace investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala and aviation veterans Aditya Ghosh and Vinay Dube, had in November last year signed a deal with Boeing to purchase 72 Max planes.

    Akasa Air is yet to receive any of these planes.

  • DGCA bars 90 SpiceJet pilots from operating Boeing 737 Max planes, cites ‘improper training’

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Indian aviation regulator DGCA has barred 90 SpiceJet pilots from operating the Boeing 737 Max aircraft after finding them not properly trained.

    “For the moment, we have barred these pilots from flying the Max and they have to retrain successfully for flying the aircraft,” DGCA chief Arun Kumar said in a statement.

    He also said that the regulator will take “strict action against those found responsible for the lapse.”

    The pilots will have to undergo training again, in a proper manner, on the Max simulator.

    ALSO READ: Plane crash in China: DGCA puts Boeing 737 fleets of Indian carriers on ‘enhanced surveillance’

    The Boeing 737 Max planes were grounded in India by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on March 13, 2019, three days after the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines 737 Max aircraft near Addis Ababa, which killed 157 people, including four Indians.

    The ban on the planes was lifted in August last year after the DGCA was satisfied with US-based aircraft manufacturer Boeing’s necessary software rectifications in the aircraft.

    Proper pilot training on the simulator was also among the conditions of the DGCA for removing the ban on the Max planes after a span of 27 months.

    A SpiceJet spokesperson on Wednesday confirmed that the DGCA has restricted 90 pilots of the airline from flying the Max planes.

    SpiceJet has 650 pilots trained on the Boeing 737 Max.

    The DGCA had an observation on the training profile followed for 90 pilots, and therefore, as per the advise of the DGCA, SpiceJet has restricted 90 pilots from operating the Max aircraft, until these pilots undergo re-training to the satisfaction of the DGCA.

    These pilots continue to remain available for other Boeing 737 aircraft,” the spokesperson said.

    This restriction does not impact the operations of the Max aircraft whatsoever.

    SpiceJet, currently, operates 11 Max aircraft and about 144 pilots are required to operate these aircraft, the spokesperson said.

    “Of the 650 trained pilots on the Max, 560 continue to remain available, which is much more than the current requirement,” the spokesperson said.

    SpiceJet is the only Indian airline that has the Max aircraft in its fleet.

    Akasa Air, the new airline backed by ace investor Jhunjhunwala and aviation veterans Aditya Ghosh and Vinay Dube, had in November last year signed a deal with Boeing to purchase 72 Max planes.

    Akasa Air has not got any of these planes as yet. 

  • Suspension of scheduled international passenger flights extended till further orders: DGCA

    The restriction will not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA.

  • Alliance Air Mumbai-Bhuj flight flies without engine cover, DGCA launches probe

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: An Alliance Air flight from Mumbai to Bhuj, carrying 70 passengers, flew without engine cover that was later retrieved from the runway at the city airport on Wednesday, prompting aviation regulator DGCA to start a probe into the incident, according to an official.

    The ATR aircraft landed safely at Bhuj in Gujarat. Alliance Air said that it has initiated a probe into the incident. The incident happened on Wednesday morning and was brought to the notice of airport authorities by a Mumbai Air Traffic Controller (ATC).

    Subsequently, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) started an investigation into the incident. “Mumbai ATC informed the airport that Alliance Air ATR aircraft, operating flight 91-625 (Mumbai-Bhuj) took off without the left engine cowling (cover),” the official said.

    Later, the airline’s engineering team reached the site and retrieved the engine cover from the runway. During the operation of Alliance Air flight 9I-625 from Mumbai to Bhuj on February 9, the panel of the engine cowl was found on the runway post take off, Alliance Air said in a statement.

    “We have taken strict note of the incident and a thorough investigation has been initiated. The findings of the same shall be shared with the regulatory authorities and we shall ensure that all required corrective actions are put in place,” the government-owned airline said.

    It also said that “we are grateful that all passengers and crew onboard the flight safely landed and there was no damage to the aircraft due to this unfortunate incident”.

    Expressing “regret” at the “unfortunate” incident, Alliance Air said, it follows laid down policies/ procedures as per the regulatory authorities. Alliance Air said in the statement said that the airline has strict checks in place – both pre and post flight operations in order to ensure complete safety of its passengers and crew.

    Flying without engine cowling may have an aerodynamic effect leading to marginal deterioration in the aircraft’s performance, the official said. Besides, it could have an impact on engine components as well because of the exposure to the airflow, the official said, adding that, however, in this case, the aircraft landed safely at the destination.

    According to the official, no one has been grounded so far but appropriate action will be taken after DGCA receives the preliminary report, the official added.

  • India extends ban on international commercial flights till Feb 28

    By IANS

    NEW DELHI: India’s civil aviation regulator, the DGCA, on Wednesday extended the ban on scheduled international commercial flights till February 28, 2022.

    At present, India suffers from a third Covid wave which is said to be driven by the Omicron variant.

    In a notification, the DGCA extended the ban on scheduled international commercial flights till February 28, 2022.

    “This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA. “However, flights under Air Bubble agreement will not be affected.”

    Last month, the civil aviation regulator, had extended the ban on scheduled international commercial flights till January 31, 2022.

    Earlier, India had announced plans to allow resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger services from December 15, 2021 with certain conditions.

    However, on December 1, 2021, DGCA had said it is “closely monitoring” the situation emerging out of the Covid-19’s Omicron variant and the final decision on the resumption of near-normal international flight operations will be taken after consultation with stakeholders.

    India had banned the operation of international flights on March 23 last year to contain and control the spread of Covid-19.

    Flight restrictions, however, were later eased under air bubble arrangements with certain countries.

  • Flight crew, air traffic controllers to be tested for drugs from January 31 next year: DGCA

    All aforementioned aviation workers will be tested for the following psychoactive substances — amphetamine, cannabis, cocaine, opiates, barbiturates and benzodiazepine.

  • DGCA to carry out random test on aviation staff for drug misuse from February 2022

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: To curb the possible use of psychoactive substances by aviation personnel, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has asked all scheduled commercial aircraft operators to carry out, random drug testing on flight crew members and air traffic controllers.

    DGCA has said that the rules will be effective from January 31, 2022 and it will be applicable to aircraft operators engaged in commercial operations, maintenance and repair organisations, flying training organisations and air navigation service providers.

    It said that this programme will ensure that at least 10 per cent of the employees of an organization are covered in a year.

    While the aviation regulator already examines aviation personnel by breath analysers before they commence for flight duties, a senior official said the move is to ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft.

    “The worldwide spread of use of psychoactive substances, their general availability and the ever-increasing number of addicted users is a serious concern to aviation safety. Their use causes behavioural, cognitive and physiological changes. This manifests in dependence, major health related issues and negative effect on performance,” said the DGCA in a fresh civil aviation requirement (CAR) issued on Monday.

    All the positive cases will be reported to DGCA within 24 hours.  If the screening test is non-negative, the employee will be immediately removed from duty till a confirmatory report is received. In case of first positive confirmatory test, the employee will be referred for de-addiction programme.

    In case such a person is again caught in the confirmatory test, license will be suspended for three years. License will be cancelled if it is third positive case. If a person refuses to undergo the test, he will be removed from duties until clearing drug testing profile within a period of 48 hours. 

  • Covid-19: International passenger flights in India to remain suspended till September 30

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Amid ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Director-General of Civil Aviation on Sunday extended the suspension on scheduled international commercial passenger flights till September 30, 2021, said a circular by the office of DGCA.

    However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on case to case basis.

    This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA, the circular further said .

    ALSO READ | India logs 45,083 new COVID-19 cases, 460 fatalities; active infections near 3.7 lakh mark

    “In a partial modification on a circular dated June 26, 2021, the competent authority has further extended the validity of the circular issued on the subject cited above regarding Scheduled International commercial passenger service to/from India till 2359 hrs IST of 30th September 2021,” stated the DGCA circular.

    “This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA. However, International Scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on case to case basis,” further stated the circular.

    Earlier, the scheduled international flights were suspended until August 31, said the circular issued by the DGCA on July 30, 2021.

    ALSO WATCH:

  • Aviation sector divided over drug test proposal by DGCA

    Express News Service

    BENGALURU: The proposal by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to launch random testing of aviation personnel for consumption of psychoactive substances has left the aviation sector divided. While the managements involved have given a thumbs-up, airline staff insist that it puts them under unnecessary pressure and suspicion. 

    The Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) order was put up on its website on August 25 for feedback from all stakeholders, before it was made official.  The personnel will be tested for the following substances — Amphetamine, Methamphtamine, Cannabis, Cocaine, Opioids, Barbiturates, Benzodizipine, MMDA or Ecstasy. The order recommends mandatory testing of 5% of flight crew members, air traffic controllers, aircraft maintenance engineers, certifying staff, trainee pilots as well as instructors and examiners.

    DGCA Director Arun Kumar told TNIE, “Testing for psychoactive substances is a common practice abroad. It is time we introduce it here too, as consumption of drugs is on the rise in the country. So we plan to introduce it bearing safety of public in mind.”

    AAI Director at Belagavi, Rajesh Kumar Maurya, welcomed the move, saying it “a good one” which will enhance the safety of passengers.” The owner of a flying school too has welcomed it, saying, “It is very important from the point of passenger safety. However, those checking it must adopt the right method, and the process should not harass pilots and other staff.” 

    Will add to stress: Capt Retired airline instructor pilot Capt Mohan Ranganathan says it will put pilots under additional pressure in the present circumstances. Drawing a parallel with the breathalysers tests being done at present, he recalled a top official of an airline getting caught and getting away with it. “There are always loopholes. Those with influence get away with everything.”

    Referring to the present situation, Capt Ranganathan said pilots are working under pressure due to delayed salaries and even cut in salaries. “There is also a possibility that medicines prescribed  for other illnesses could have some components which could show up during these tests,” he said. 

    A senior pilot, on anonymity, said the move would put the fraternity under pressure. “This would clearly breach the trust between the regulator and pilots. The pilot is the commander of the flight and needs to be treated with respect and dignity, and not viewed with suspicion,” he said.

  • DGCA suspends flying licence of MP govt pilot for crash landing of plane at Gwalior airport

    By PTI

    BHOPAL: Aviation safety regulator DGCA has suspended the flying licence of a senior pilot of Madhya Pradesh government for a period of one year for the crash landing of an aircraft at Gwalior airport in May this year.

    The plane was bringing supplies of Remdesivir, an antiviral drug, from Gujarat to Gwalior via Indore in the state-owned plane B-200GT VT MPQ when it crash landed around 9 pm on May 6 at the Gwalior airport, which has an Air Force base.

    The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which carried out a probe into the incident, has suspended the flying licence of the plane’s pilot, Captain Sayyed Majid Akhtar (56), for a year, as per a letter issued last week.

    The incident had resulted in major damage to the cockpit front, propeller blades, propeller hub and wheels of the newly-bought plane.

    The aircraft had skidded and overturned on one side.

    Akhtar, his co-pilot Shiv Jaiswal and another officer were injured in the incident.

    As per the suspension letter, a copy of which is in possession of PTI, Akhtar “flew the aircraft very low and failed to sight the arrester barrier” before the runway.

    Besides, “the approach profile of the aircraft was not appropriate for landing in the touchdown zone and resulted in hitting the arrester barrier”.

    The DGCA had issued a show-cause notice to Akhtar on 1 July, but the explanation given by him was found to be “not satisfactory”, the letter said.

    The accident had occurred due to a manual error and the DGCA noted that his actions not only jeopardized the safety of the aircraft, but were also in violation of the Aircraft Rules.

    The Madhya Pradesh government had bought the aircraft, a seven-seater Beechcraft King Air B-200GT VT MPQ, from American company ‘Textron Aviation’ for more than Rs 65 crore last year only, sources in the state aviation department said.

    Following the crash, the plane was reduced to scrap.

    It has been kept at the Gwalior airbase for over three months now, allegedly due to lack of maintenance and repair, as it was not insured at the time of the incident, they added.