New Delhi: The country’s aviation regulator, the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), has issued a show-cause notice to Air India’s cockpit crew for apparent safety and compliance lapses.
The notice relates to flights operated between Delhi and Tokyo, despite the crew being aware of these safety deficiencies. The DGCA has given them two weeks to respond.
According to the notice, the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) did not meet the technical standards applicable to the aircraft during flights AI-357 (Delhi-Tokyo) and AI-358 (Tokyo-Delhi). The regulator also stated that this was not an isolated incident, but that similar lapses had been observed previously in other sectors.
The DGCA has asked the pilots why action should not be taken against them under the Aircraft Rules and Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR).
Operating the Dreamliner despite repeated technical problems
The DGCA has also expressed serious objection to Air India flying the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner despite repeated technical problems.
Currently, Air India has not responded to this notice.
The DGCA states that if the crew continues to operate without following safety rules, the safety of passengers and the aircraft could be at risk—which is unacceptable under any circumstances.
Recent Engine Failure Incident Also Under Investigation
Meanwhile, a major technical fault was also reported on a recent Air India Delhi-Mumbai flight.
The B777-300ER aircraft (flight number AIC 887) performed an air turnback shortly after takeoff due to an oil pressure issue with Engine No. 2 and had to make a safe landing in Delhi.
As per procedure,
During flap retraction,
*the engine oil pressure was recorded a zero
*The flight crew immediately shut down the engine.
The DGCA stated that the aircraft is undergoing inspection and repair work and the incident will be investigated by the airline’s Permanent Investigation Board under DGCA supervision.
Growing concerns over aviation safety
These incidents have once again raised the question: are airlines fully aware of technical and safety regulations?
The DGCA’s stance is clear no compromise will be tolerated with passenger safety.