In a recent development, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a hefty fine of ₹80 lakh on Air India for breaching regulations concerning flight duty time limitations and fatigue management systems for its flight crew.
The DGCA, acting proactively to ensure aviation safety, conducted a spot audit of Air India in January, focusing on compliance with Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) and fatigue management regulations. During this audit, evidence was collected and fleet-wise reports were analyzed.
According to the aviation regulator, it was discovered that Air India had violated regulations by allowing flight crews aged above 60 years to fly together in some instances, which contravenes specific rules outlined in the Aircraft Rules, 1937.
Additionally, Air India was found to be lacking in providing adequate rest periods, both before and after ultra-long range (ULR) flights, as well as during layovers. These deficiencies were found to be in violation of Civil Aviation Requirements related to FDTL.
During the audit, instances of exceeding duty periods, inaccurately recorded training records, and overlapping duties were also noted by the DGCA.
Subsequently, a show cause notice was issued to Air India on March 1, asking for a response to the observed violations. However, the airline’s response was deemed unsatisfactory by the regulator, leading to the imposition of the hefty fine.
The DGCA emphasized its commitment to maintaining the highest levels of safety in Bharat’s civil aviation sector, stating that the enforcement action against Air India was in line with this commitment.
This fine serves as a reminder to all airlines operating in Bharat to adhere strictly to safety regulations and protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and crew members alike. It also underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and enforcement by regulatory authorities to uphold aviation safety standards.
Comments