Mumbai, August 9: Meenu Wadia, the founding president of the Federation of Pilots and a former Air India pilot, has voiced critical concerns regarding aviation safety in India. Following the recent doping incident involving Air India on the Phuket-Delhi route and a series of aviation accidents, Wadia emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms within the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). In a letter to the Prime Minister, she highlighted that a complete overhaul of the DGCA’s structure is essential for ensuring safety in the aviation sector.
In an interview, Wadia stated, “I have written multiple letters on this issue. I am hopeful that there will be more pressure, more discussions, and that this matter will be raised in Parliament. The Prime Minister must understand that changes are necessary within the DGCA, and professionals should be appointed there. The time for action is now. We have been discussing and writing about this for the past 30-40 years. I can show you the letters I have sent to the Prime Minister over the years.”
Wadia outlined two key demands that the Federation of Pilots has repeatedly presented to the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Civil Aviation: the establishment of an independent safety board and a complete restructuring of the DGCA. She questioned the rationale behind the formation of the Federation of Indian Pilots, noting that when she transitioned from the Air Force to Air India, there were no aviators in the DGCA, only bureaucrats.
She raised concerns about the lack of technical expertise among DGCA officials, asking, “If the people in the DGCA are not technical experts, how can we expect them to understand the complexities of aviation?” Wadia further explained that the Federation was created to address professional issues and provide necessary insights.
While some progress has been made, Wadia believes the DGCA’s attitude remains unchanged. “After so many years, what hasn’t changed is the DGCA’s approach. They want to maintain control. Even though they are bureaucrats and not technical experts, they still want to keep control. That’s why they are reluctant to change the entire DGCA office.”
Regarding the recent doping incident and aviation accidents, Wadia pointed out that technical failures are not the only issues; deficiencies in oversight and training also play significant roles. She stressed that until professional pilots and aviation experts are included in the regulatory body, safety standards will not improve.
Wadia also discussed natural obstacles and turbulence faced by aircraft. She clarified, “This has nothing to do with the aircraft’s design or construction. If something collides with any part of the aircraft, it can cause damage. In the past, when technology to detect such obstructions or turbulence was limited, entire aircraft would break apart in mid-air, including wings.”
She explained that certain areas experience line squalls, where cumulonimbus clouds surround the aircraft, making it difficult to avoid them. Pilots may have to navigate between two clouds, which can cause turbulence, but these situations can be managed with proper training and accurate weather information.
Wadia reiterated that the pilot federation is advocating for aviation safety to be kept separate from politics and bureaucracy. An independent investigation board should be established to conduct impartial investigations into accidents, with recommendations implemented directly. Additionally, experienced pilots and aviation professionals should be appointed to top positions within the DGCA.
She expressed hope that the Prime Minister would take this issue seriously and initiate reforms within the DGCA soon. Wadia concluded, “Our goal is not to assign blame. The aim is simply to make air travel in India the safest it can be, allowing every passenger to travel without fear.”
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