DGCA to consult carrier chiefs on operational issues

In a bid to enhance efficiency, DGCA would consult chiefs of all Indian carriers later this week for suggestions on a range of operational issues, including granting and renewal of pilots licences and route checks.
The meeting would be part of the aviation regulator's efforts to amend or even do away with some rules or practices which affected airline operations.
Consultations would also be held with private non- scheduled operators and general aviation business officials later in this regard, official sources said.
Airlines have been complaining to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on issues like frequency of medical and proficiency checks of pilots, saying the cockpit crew have to be taken off duty for a significant period to fulfil these legal requirements and it affects airline operations.

These periodic checks are mandatory requirements for pilots and cabin crew to retain their licence and continue with their professional activities.
At this meeting, the sources said the airlines are likely to make a presentation on these and other operational issues and the difficulties faced by them.

"We will hold discussions and see if some of these rules could be relaxed without affecting aviation safety," the sources said. They also indicated that global norms would be studied while taking decisions on these matters.
The meeting would be held a week after DGCA conducted surprise checks and grounded a Reliance Industries-owned aircraft for violating safety norms.

The regulator has also issued show-cause notices to SpiceJet on safety violations as it suspended two of its pilots after the cabin crew of a flight performed a dance on board a flight to celebrate Holi.
DGCA had a month ago also grounded a United Airlines Boeing 777 aircraft in Mumbai after engineers found that its right engine cover was badly damaged.