DGCA warns Air India of potential action over lapses in pilot rest, training and under-deployment

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has warned Air India of potential enforcement action after the airline allegedly violating safety standards, according to reports.

The potential acton against the airline could include hefty fines and removal of executives, according to Reuters.

The violation of safety norms pertain to crew fatigue management and training in order to ensure the pilots are fully rested before operating flights, according to the multiple notices issued to the airline. The Air India crew have been complaining about being forced to fly for longer than allowed.

On July 23, four government notices were issued to Air India citing continuously failing to comply with the safety standards. Among the 29 violations pointed out by DGCA include lack of mandatory rest for pilots, failure to comply with simulator training requirements, lack of training for a high-altitude airport and insufficient cabin crew on international routes.

One of the notices read said the violations show drawbacks in crew scheduling, operational planning and regulatory oversight within the flight operations function.

Responding to the notices, Air India said, "We acknowledge receipt of these notices from the regulator related to certain voluntary disclosures that were made over the last one year by Air India. We will respond to the said notices within the stipulated period. We remain committed to the safety of our crew and passengers."

More than a week after the AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, the DGCA directed Air India to remove three officials who were responsible for crew rostering after lapses were found in "licensing, rest and recency requirements."

On Thursday, the civil aviation ministry in a written reply to the Lok Sabha revealed that Air India and Air India Express together reported 85 technical defects in their fleet to DGCA this year till July 21.

IndiGo reported 62 defects while Akasa Air reported 28 and SpiceJet eight during the same period.  

India