Civil aviation safety advisory body set up

In the aftermath of the Mangalore air crash that claimed 158 lives, government today set up an advisory body headed by DGCA chief SNA Zaidi to recommend best regulatory practices in air operations and other measures to further strengthen aviation safety.

The Civil Aviation Safety Advisory Council (CASAC) would have 28 members drawn from airlines, flight operations and air worthiness, a civil aviation ministry spokesperson said.

It would invite representatives of the UN-affiliate International Civil Aviation Organisation, the US Federal Aviation Administration, aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus and other related organisations.

The CASAC, constituted for a one-year period, would advise Directorate General of Civil Aviation in areas of commercial and general aviation aircraft operations, heliports and aerodromes, air navigation services, air operator certification, maintenance and airworthiness of aircraft, certification of aeronautical products and human performance and training, the spokesperson said.

Besides reviewing the existing regulatory framework and give recommendations to strengthen aviation safety, CASAC would also examine and recommend incorporation of best regulatory practices, recommend short, medium and long term measures to enhance safety and reflect public views on aviation safety matters, the spokesperson said.

The advisory body would generally meet on a quarterly basis and can set up working groups in focused areas.