Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said it has suspended two certified flying instructors for one year and one flight training organisation after finding multiple violations of safety regulations in the audit.
The DGCA has audited 30 flying training organisations (FTOs) since March 21 this year. It ordered special safety audits for all flight training organizations in the country to assess safety standards and systemic deficiencies in operations and training.
The regulator found in the audit that “the facilities at the airfield/training organization are not being maintained as per the requirements runway surface was found worn out, wind sock was found torn or nonstandard.”
The pre-flight alcohol test regulations were not followed at multiple FTOs, the regulator said.
“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 DGCA noted.
In few cases, the testing equipment being used were not in compliance with the requirements or calibrated as required, it added.
“Based on these audit findings and findings in recent accident, enforcement action has been issued i.e., warning letter to two Accountable Managers, suspension orders to two CFIs (certified flying instructors) for a year, two CFI for 3 months, one Deputy CFI for a year, two Deputy CFI for 3 months, one AFI (assistant flying instructor) for 3 months and one student for 3 months,” it noted.
“In addition approval of one FTO has been suspended. Enforcement actions against other individuals/ FTOs are at various stages,” it added.
