DGCA suspends licence of FTO, flying instructors
NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday said it has suspended the license of a flight training organisation (FTO) and few flying instructors after an audit found them violating multiple safety regulations.
The aviation regulator said it suspended the approval of one FTO, issued warning letters to two accountable managers, suspended four certified flying instructors (CFIS), three deputy CFIS, and one assistant flying instructor (AFI), after the violations came to light.
The exercise began on March 21 to assess safety standards and systemic deficiencies in operations, maintenance and training, and has covered 30 out of 32 FTOS. “Based on the audit findings and findings in recent accident (at FTOS), warning letter to two accountable managers, suspension orders to two CFIS for a year, two CFIS for three years, one deputy CFI for a year, two deputy CFIS for three months, one AFI for three months and one student for three months have been issued,” DGCA director general Arun Kumar said.
“Additionally, approval of one FTO has been suspended. Enforcement actions against other individuals/ FTOS are also at various stages,” he added.
During the audit, it was found that “the facilities at the airfield/ training organisation are not being maintained as per the requirements—runway surface was found worn out, wind sock was found torn or non-standard,” the DGCA said.
Aircraft were being operated with faulty or unserviceable instruments such as fuel gauges, stall warning, etc. the regulator said.
The pre-flight alcohol test regulations were also not followed at multiple FTOS. “Few of the instructors, student pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers did not undergo BA (breathalyser) test or submit undertaking prior to commencement of duty/exercise of privileges,” the regulator said.
The regulator also took note of deficiencies in the ground training of student pilots.
“Student pilots were not appropriately briefed and trained on emergencies/essential exercises before being released for solo flights/cross country. There was adhocism in allocation of trainers as they are frequently changed and thereby affecting the learning experience as a student pilot,” it said.