Ajit Singh orders redressal mechanism for pilots

Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh has directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to set up a redressal mechanism for pilots following complaints of discrimination and favouritism in training.

Examiners are senior pilots who check the proficiency of junior pilots in simulators and on flights.

In view of a large number of complaints regarding various in-service tests and proficiency checks conducted by airline examiners, the minister reviewed the current system and has directed the DGCA to immediately propose an institutional mechanism for pilots not satisfied with their examination results.

Although the redressal mechanism will function for all airlines, the infighting among Air India (AI) and erstwhile Indian Airlines (IA) pilots for the Boeing 787 training seems to have triggered the minister's action. 

 

The initial batch of 787 captains drawn from both AI and IA was trained by examiners from Boeing, but these examiners have now ended their deputation.

An issue cropped up when the erstwhile Indian Airlines pilots suggested that they have a choice of examiners who will assess them.

This demand came up because of animosity between the pilots.

Singh has also asked the DGCA to standardise the present system in such a manner that the discretion available with the examiners may be minimised.

The DGCA has also been asked to issue detailed guidelines in this regard which may be incorporated in the rules.