DGCA audits 30 flying schools, finds several safety violations

It found in the audit that "the facilities at the airfield/training organisation are not being maintained as per the requirements -- runway surface was found worn out, wind sock was found torn or nonstandard."

NewsBharati    17-Jun-2022 13:12:53 PM
Total Views |
New Delhi, June 17: Since March 21, aviation regulator DGCA audited 30 of India's 32 flying training organisations (FTOs) and found them to be in violation of several safety laws.
 
DGCA
 
Hence, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) revoked one FTO's approval, given a warning letter to two responsible managers, suspended four certified flying instructors (CFIs), and three deputy CFIs, and one assistant flying instructor (AFI).

DGCA
 
It found in the audit that "the facilities at the airfield/training organisation are not being maintained as per the requirements -- runway surface was found worn out, wind sock was found torn or nonstandard."

Aircraft were being operated with faulty or unserviceable instruments such as fuel gauges, stall warning, etc., the DGCA said. The pre-flight alcohol test regulations were not followed at multiple FTOs, it stated.

"Few of the instructors, student pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers did not undergo BA (breathalyser) test or submit undertaking prior to commencement of duty/exercise of privileges," the DGCA noted.

In a few cases, the testing equipment being used was not in compliance with the requirements or calibrated as required, it added. There were deficiencies in ground training of student pilots. Student pilots were not appropriately briefed & trained on emergencies and essential exercises before being released to operate solo flights, it said.
 
Also Read | DGCA fines IndiGo Rs 5 lakh for not boarding child with special needs
 
"Based on these audit findings and findings in a recent accident, enforcement action has been issued i.E., warning letter to two Accountable Managers, suspension orders to two CFIs (certified flying instructors) for a year, two CFI for three months, one Deputy CFI for a year, two Deputy CFI for three months, one AFI (assistant flying instructor) for three months and one student for three months," it noted.

2 training aircraft were involved in separate non-fatal accidents in India on March 16, following which DGCA had ordered a safety audit of all flying training organisations (FTOs).

In the first accident, the pilot had allegedly forgotten to open the landing gear in Jamshedpur in Jharkhand, while the second plane crash-landed on the runway in UP's Sultanpur.