Civil Aviation Regulator Suspends Air India’s Chief of Flight Safety for Lapses in Accident Prevention Protocol.

Civil Aviation Regulator Suspends Air India's Chief of Flight Safety for Lapses in Accident Prevention Protocol.

Asif Iqbal | September 21, 2023 | 05:00 PM IST | Breaking News, India, Travel | Follow on Google News

Civil Aviation Regulator Suspends Air India’s Chief of Flight Safety for Lapses in Accident Prevention Protocol. Pic/NDT

In a stern move sending a clear message, the Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended Air India’s Chief of Flight Safety for a month following an inspection that revealed significant lapses in the carrier’s accident prevention protocol. The DGCA conducted a surveillance operation on July 25-26, focusing on Air India’s internal audit processes, accident prevention measures, and the availability of technical manpower. This action comes amidst Air India’s impressive fleet size of 121 aircraft.

Lapses in Accident Prevention Protocol Uncovered

The DGCA’s surveillance uncovered deficiencies in Air India’s accident prevention practices and the availability of the necessary technical manpower, as stipulated in the approved Flight Safety Manual and relevant Civil Aviation Requirements. The civil aviation regulator expressed concerns regarding the perfunctory nature of some internal audits and spot checks conducted by the airline, which failed to meet regulatory standards.

Showcause Notices and Stringent Measures

Following a review of Air India’s action taken report, the DGCA issued showcause notices to the responsible individuals within the airline. In response, the airline has been directed not to assign audits, surveillance, or spot checks related to DGCA compliance to the auditor responsible for the perfunctory inspections, indicating a lack of diligence. Additionally, the Chief of Flight Safety at Air India has had their approval suspended for a period of one month due to the established lapses.

Indian Air Force Welcomes Its Newest Transport Aircraft, the C-295.

Timely Action After Previous Concerns

This action by the DGCA comes approximately a month after reports surfaced regarding lapses in Air India’s internal safety audits. At that time, an Air India spokesperson emphasized the airline’s commitment to engaging in such audits to continually assess and strengthen their operational processes.

Priority on Passenger Safety

It’s worth noting that last year, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia underscored that passenger safety is at the forefront of DGCA’s priorities, and there can be no compromise in this regard. DGCA’s firm stance on flight safety and maintenance follows a series of incidents related to flight snags.This suspension of Air India’s Chief of Flight Safety serves as a stark reminder of the aviation industry’s commitment to upholding rigorous safety standards and ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.