Air India pilot 'flouts' final release check norms

According to AI's manual, final release check of a first officer can be conducted only by a TRI

A senior Air India (AI) pilot has been accused of flouting the airline's norms for conducting final release check of a junior pilot.

According to AI's training manual, approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the final release check of a first officer (co-pilot) can be conducted only by a Type Rated Instructor (TRI).

"However, in contravention to this, the Chennai-based senior pilot, a DGCA-approved Designated Examiner, misused his official position and conducted the final release check of a co-pilot belonging to the airline," a source alleged.

As part of their training, a co-pilot or first officer undergoes different checks during his flight, which are conducted by Line Training Captain (LTC), TRI and Designated Examiner (DE), depending upon the level of training.

"In this case, the final release check of the co-pilot was to be conducted by a Type Rated Instructor. But it was conducted by a DE despite he not being mandated to do so. So far no action has been taken against this commander," the source said.

A response from Air India spokesperson on this issue was awaited.

The source also claimed this senior commander was earlier a flight operations inspector with the DGCA and was removed from the post when he tested positive for alcohol in a pre-flight medical test.

"He was removed from all training assignments for a period of three years by the DGCA. However, as soon he completed the three-year period, the Air India management recommended his name to the DGCA for DE post and asked it to restore his training privileges," the source said.