DGCA sacks chief pilot of Tata Group charter plane

The pilot forged the signatures of the doctor who oversees the pre-flight tests

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended the chief pilot and co-pilot of Tata Group’s aircraft charter firm, Taj Air for alleged violation of safety procedures. The suspension is for three months.

The move follows a surprise check by DGCA during which it was reportedly found the chief pilot had forged signatures of the doctor overseeing pre-flight tests. According to DGCA norms, it is mandatory for pilots and cabin crew to undergo a series of pre-flight tests under the guidance of an empanelled doctor.

The incident was related to a Falcon 2000 jet aircraft, used by Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons. “The safety of our passengers is of paramount importance. We are currently investigating the matter and will continue to cooperate with the DGCA. We take such matters very seriously and appropriate action will be taken in case of any non-compliance,” a Taj Air spokesperson said.

Apart from Taj Air, the DGCA also suspended the pilot of Mumbai-based charter company Kestrel Aviation for irregularities in pre-flight medical tests.

A surprise check was also conducted at Delhi, where two pilots of AeroTech Aviation were suspended for the irregularities in the same test.

All the five pilots and one cabin crew of aircraft charter firms have been suspended for three months by the DGCA.