Ahead of UN safety audit, DGCA to fill posts in mishap wing

Ahead of another safety audit by the United Nations-appointed aviation regulator, India’s air safety regulator is trying to add some tooth to its air mishap investigation outfit.
But, industry experts have reservations whether the ‘stopgap’ arrangements such as contracted jobs for safety experts will help Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) pass the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audit, which is scheduled to be conducted this year.
Last month the DGCA invited applications for the posts of air safety directors on a short-term basis. According to the DGCA’s circular, the job entails investigating air mishaps, precautionary landings, forced landings, air misses and other potential hazardous situation arising from air operations.
 “The credibility of India on the safety front is poor worldwide, only a positive proactive action can help convince the world,” said Captain Mohan Ranganathan, former member of the Civil Aviation Safety Advisory Council.
Lalit Gupta, joint director general with the DGCA in charge of the department of air safety did not respond to HT’s calls.
Experts added that accident investigations require about a year-long training. “The DGCA is offering a one-year contract for the openings. Therefore, even if they fill the positions it would add no value,” said a former DGCA chief requesting anonymity.
Also, there is lack of clarity over the powers of the new recruits. “It would a lot of time to provide statutory powers to recruits. That is likely to restrict their roles,” said a senior civil aviation ministry official requesting anonymity.
Until last March, the Air Accident Investigation Bureau, an independent air mishap probe cell formed under the civil aviation ministry faced flak for its dismal record. The agency had managed to close only 9 out of the 28 cases assigned to it.
The ICAO had named India among 13 countries with the most dismal air safety establishment following its previous audit in 2012.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Vistara Domestic Premium Economy vs. Economy – Is The Upgrade Worth It?

Economy on Vistara As one of only two  full-service carriers  in India, Vistara offers a high-quality economy product. On its A320, which used on most domestic routes, it offers 18-inch wide seats with a pitch of 29-30 inches. While this does sound standard, the well-padded seats and adjustable headrest make for a much more comfortable offering than its low-cost competitors. The seats also offer an acceptable 3″ recline. In terms of service, Vistara is one of the few airlines offering hot meals on domestic routes (minus short routes under an hour). All economy passengers, except those booked on Economy Lite fares, receive a meal along with hot or cold beverages. From personal experience, the meals are good and enough for domestic hops. For those traveling on Lite fares, only complimentary hot beverages are available. Vistara also has a small buy-on-board menu, which features packaged snacks and drinks, along with some hot instant meals. Originally, the airline served all passenger’s me
Read more

Why the Airbus A340 Has A Middle Landing Gear

Image
The  Airbus A340  was specially designed for long haul flying and had something not seen with other widebody aircraft flying today. It was a unique middle landing gear that allowed the plane to take off with heavier loads and carry more fuel for its four hungry engines. What is the middle landing gear? If you have ever looked carefully at a picture of an A340 (or if you are lucky, in real life), you might have noticed an extra landing gear on the belly in the middle of the plane. Here it is on a Virgin Atlantic  Airbus A340-600  to the rear of the aircraft. Looking at the bottom of an A340 you’ll see that there are already two other sets of landing gears under the wings, why would an aircraft need a third in the middle? Why some A340s have the middle landing gear Plain and simple, the extra landing gear allows the A340 aircraft to have a higher MTOW (maximum take-off weight). This means more passengers and cargo, plus more fuel to go a longer distance. Perfect for t
Read more

Preparing To Start Domestic Flight Operations Within A Week: Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri

The domestic flight operations are likely to resume within a week, says Union Civil Aviation Minister  Hardeep Singh Puri . The commercial flight operations remain suspended since March 24 after the announcement of nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus. In an interview with  Outlook ’s  Preetha Nair , the Union Minister also talks about the government’s massive plan to evacuate stranded Indians and the logistical challenges involved. He also says a decision on operating flights between green zones of the country will soon be taken. You have hinted that the commercial flight operations are set to begin after May 15 in a calibrated way. Can you elaborate? We are preparing to start domestic flight operations even before May 15. My effort will be to try and move in the direction of starting it very soon. I can’t put a date on it because when you are planning evacuation operations, you need the co-operation of the state governments. In order to open up domestic civil avia
Read more