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Govt sets up panel to ensure aviation safety

The first meeting of the newly-formed Civil Aviation Safety Advisory Council (CASAC) is scheduled for June 3.

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In the aftermath of the Mangalore air crash that claimed 158 lives, the government on Friday set up an advisory body headed by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) chief Naseem Zaidi to recommend measures to further strengthen aviation safety.

The first meeting of the newly-formed Civil Aviation Safety Advisory Council (CASAC) is scheduled for June 3.

The panel will comprise Zaidi and experts in the field of flight operations, air worthiness, safety, etc.

The 28-member body was constituted after the Mangalore crash of Air India Express flight IX-812 on May 22. It was felt that DGCA itself couldn’t look after all air safety aspects since its hands were tied in day-to-day operations.

Nearly 80% of all air accidents happen either during takeoff or landing, official sources said. Investigation requires experts to study the causes each time. They said despite criticism on several parameters such as difficult terrain of airports like Mangalore, inability of foreign pilots to effectively communicate with air traffic control and their unfamiliarity with local terrain, there were no immediate plans to address these issues.

“We are busy with crash investigations. How can we say foreign pilots will not be allowed to fly? There is a shortage of type-rated Indian commanders and we have already extended the deadline for validity of foreign pilots till July 2011,” official sources said.

They also indicated that while DGCA probe into the Mangalore crash was proceeding well, the civil aviation ministry would soon set up a court of inquiry to investigate the tragic accident. It is likely to be a 4-5 member body, headed by a high court judge.

CASAC will comprise 28 members and has been constituted for a period of one year. Besides experts, it will also include representatives from the International Civil Aviation Organisation, Federal Aviation Administration, US, and aircraft makers Boeing and Airbus.

An official statement said the council will be advisory in nature. It will advise DGCA in areas of operations, aerodromes, heliports, air navigation services, air operator certification, airworthiness of aircraft, including maintenance, certification of aeronautical products and human performance and training.

The panel will also review the existing regulatory framework and recommend measures to strengthen aviation safety. It will develop, examine and recommend incorporation of best regulatory practices.

The panel will recommend short, medium and long-term measures for safety enhancement, the statement said.

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