Concerns Raised Over Airworthiness Standards Just Days Before Air Event
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a stern warning to Air India over serious safety protocol violations. The airline’s Airbus aircraft were found operating without necessary inspections of emergency systems, raising significant safety concerns. The DGCA criticized Air India for its slow response in addressing these issues, which were highlighted in a recent report. Notably, these warnings are not connected to the recent crash of Air India AI 171, which occurred on June 12.
Details of the DGCA Warning
The DGCA’s report revealed alarming findings regarding Air India’s compliance with safety regulations. During inspections conducted in May, three Airbus aircraft were discovered to be operating with overdue mandatory checks on critical emergency equipment, specifically escape slides. One Airbus A320 was inspected on May 15, over a month late, while it had been actively serving international routes, including Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah. Additionally, an Airbus A319, which was used for domestic flights, had its checks delayed by more than three months, and another aircraft was inspected two days past the deadline.
The DGCA emphasized that operating aircraft with expired or unverified emergency equipment constitutes a violation of standard airworthiness and safety requirements. The regulator’s report stated, “The above cases indicate that aircraft were operated with expired or unverified emergency equipment.” Furthermore, Air India was noted to have “failed to submit timely compliance responses” to the identified deficiencies, indicating a lack of effective procedural control and oversight within the airline.
Air India’s Response to the Violations
In light of the DGCA’s findings, Air India has committed to accelerating the verification of all maintenance records, including those related to escape slides. The airline expects to complete this process within a few days. Air India clarified that one of the issues was identified when an engineer accidentally deployed an escape slide during maintenance work. This incident underscores the importance of thorough safety checks, as any malfunction of emergency equipment during an accident could have dire consequences.
Vibhuti Singh, a former legal expert at the government’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, highlighted the critical nature of safety checks on emergency escape slides. The DGCA has warned that aircraft failing to undergo mandatory inspections may face suspension of their airworthiness certificates. This regulatory action underscores the seriousness of the situation and the potential risks involved in operating aircraft without proper safety measures in place.
Regulatory Actions and Historical Context
The DGCA’s warning is part of a broader trend of regulatory scrutiny faced by airlines in India. Documentation reveals that Animesh Garg, the deputy director of airworthiness in the Indian government, sent warning notices and reports to Air India’s CEO Campbell Wilson and other senior officials. Such violations can lead to financial and civil penalties for both the airline and its executives.
In a previous statement, Wilson acknowledged that global parts shortages have impacted the airline industry, but Air India has faced additional challenges due to its aging fleet, with many aircraft remaining unmodernized since their delivery in 2010-2011. The DGCA has previously imposed penalties on airlines for compliance breaches, with Air India and Air India Express accounting for a significant number of violations. In February, the government informed parliament of 23 instances where airlines faced warnings or penalties for safety violations in the previous year, highlighting the ongoing challenges within the aviation sector.
Implications for Air India and the Aviation Industry
The implications of the DGCA’s warning extend beyond Air India, reflecting a critical need for adherence to safety protocols across the aviation industry. The regulator’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards to protect passengers and crew. The aviation sector is under constant scrutiny, and airlines must prioritize compliance to avoid penalties and ensure the safety of their operations.
As Air India works to address the identified deficiencies, the airline’s commitment to improving its safety protocols will be closely monitored by regulatory authorities. The recent crash of Air India AI 171 has further intensified the focus on safety within the airline, making it imperative for Air India to demonstrate its dedication to compliance and passenger safety in the coming days.
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