New Delhi, February 24: In response to a recent surge in aviation incidents, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced stringent new measures for the non-scheduled operators (NSOP) sector on Tuesday. This initiative aims to enforce a zero-tolerance policy against any compromise on safety.
The meeting with all NSOPs was convened after a tragic air ambulance crash in Jharkhand’s Chatra district on Monday evening, which resulted in the deaths of all seven individuals on board. Last month, a similar incident claimed the life of Ajit Pawar, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, in a dangerous crash involving a Learjet 45XR operated by VSR Ventures.
The aviation regulator stated that it will introduce a mandatory disclosure policy. Following the meeting, the DGCA emphasized that NSOP operators must provide essential safety information on their websites. This includes details about the aircraft’s age, maintenance history, and pilot experience, ensuring customers are fully informed about the standards of the chartered aircraft.
The regulator plans to implement a safety ranking system for all non-scheduled operators and publish the criteria for this ranking on the DGCA website for public access.
Additionally, the authority will conduct more random cockpit voice recorder (CVR) audits and cross-verify ADS-B data, fuel records, and technical logs to detect unauthorized operations or discrepancies in data.
The DGCA stated, “Managers and senior leadership will be held personally accountable for non-compliance with regulations; responsibility for safety lapses cannot rest solely with the pilots.”
Notably, pilots who violate Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) or attempt to land below safety minima may face license suspensions of up to five years. Operators failing to meet compliance standards will be fined, and their licenses or permits may be suspended.
The aviation regulator further indicated that older aircraft and those undergoing ownership changes will be subject to increased monitoring. Moreover, the regulator will audit NSOPs that operate their own maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities. Those found lacking will be required to outsource maintenance to approved organizations.
The DGCA remarked that weather-related accidents often result from poor decision-making rather than mere weather uncertainty. Operators have been ordered to implement real-time weather update systems and strictly adhere to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Furthermore, regular training for pilots should emphasize weather awareness strategies and decision-making in uncontrolled environments.
Phase 1 of the special safety audit of SOPs will conclude in early March, followed by the commencement of Phase 2, which will cover the remaining NSOPs.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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