The Indian aviation industry has grown rapidly in the last few years but the number of flight operation inspectors (FOIs), stands at a mere 14.
DGCA to appoint airline pilots to keep tabs on themselves
MUMBAI: The Indian aviation industry has grown rapidly in the last few years but the number of flight operation inspectors (FOIs), who keep a tab on airlines on behalf of the director general of civil aviation (DGCA), stands at a mere 14. The DGCA however, has found a novel solution to the crisis: recruit examiner pilots from each airline who will inspect aircraft on its behalf.
The move, prompted by a shortage of new candidates, however has industry experts sceptical on how unbiased the FOIs will be.
The DGCA recently drafted a circular to appoint FOIs from airlines themselves who will work on deputation basis or a renewable contract of two years. The FOIs will continue to draw salaries and other perks from their respective airlines while the DGCA will pay them remuneration for carrying out checks and surveillance of aircraft, conduct proficiency checks on pilots and see whether airlines are adhering to various navigation and operational requirements among other things.
But industry experts think the ad hoc measure does not guarantee the FOIs will be fair and impartial. “It is a good idea to get the FOIs on deputation but if they are going to inspect their own aircraft then that will defeat the very purpose of appointing them,” said Captain Mohan Ranganathan, a former member of the DGCA taskforce. “If an airline FOI inspects the aircraft of another airline than we can expect some fairness. Moreover, airlines are themselves not able to find commanders for their fleet. Why would they give away their commanders for DGCA functions?” he observed.
According to another industry expert, the DGCA can teach its own officials to fly and make them FOIs. “There are 125 DGCA officers out of which 20 can be sent to learn flying and get a private pilot licence (PPL). They are already well-versed with the knowledge of engineering and aircraft performance and only lack flying experience. If they acquire that they can also perform the task of FOIs,” he reasoned.
However, Ranganathan felt it would serve no purpose. “According to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), qualifications of our DGCA officials are below average world standards. They say they have 14 FOIs but in reality they have just four - three for fixed wing aircrafts and one for helicopters,” he added.
When contacted, Kanu Gohain, the director general of civil aviation said there will be enough checks and balances to ensure the impartiality and allegiance of the seconded FOIs appointed from airlines. “Even if the FOI inspects his own airline, there will be another official to cross-check his report/action. Moreover, there is an auditing system of these officials which will ensure they do not abuse their powers,” he said.
s_naveeta@dnaindia.net
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