In the shadow of back-to-back aviation disasters, DGCA has declared war on safety shortcuts in the non-scheduled operators’ domain. Tuesday’s announcement follows the horrific Chatra air ambulance crash claiming seven lives and echoes the Learjet fatality tied to VSR Ventures of NCP leader Ajit Pawar last month.
A pivotal NSOP conclave birthed a disclosure mandate: websites must reveal aircraft age, service logs, and pilot credentials transparently. This customer-centric step demystifies charter quality.
A safety scorecard system is coming, with public criteria on DGCA’s site. Intensified CVR audits pair with data cross-checks on ADS-B, fuels, and tech logs to expose foul play.
No more pilot-only blame games. Leadership accountability is key; non-adherence pins responsibility on top brass. License halts up to five years await FDTL breakers and low-minima landing attempters. Penalties include fines and operational halts for violators.
Heightened monitoring for aging fleets and ownership shifts. Self-run MROs get probed; shortfalls demand approved outsourcing.
Weather mishaps? Blame bad decisions, says DGCA. Real-time weather systems, SOP rigor, and enriched training on atmospheric savvy and crisis judgment are now compulsory.
Post-March Phase 1 SOP audits, Phase 2 expands coverage, cementing a safer charter flight ecosystem in India.