AirAsia Fined Rs 20 Lakh Following Discovery Of Lapses In Pilot Training

NEW DELHI: The aviation watchdog DGCA has fined AirAsia (India) Ltd. 20 lakh after discovering through its surveillance operation that a few mandatory exercises of the airline's pilots were not completed as scheduled during Pilot Proficiency Check/Instrument Rating Check (which is a requirement of the International Civil Aviation Organization). This was a violation of DGCA rules.

Additionally, the head of training for the airline was demoted for three months "for failing to fulfill his obligations as per applicable DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements." Additionally, a 3 lakh fine has been imposed on each of the eight appointed examiners for the same.

To the concerned manager, head of training, and all designated examiners of Air Asia, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, or DGCA, issued show cause notes asking them to explain why no enforcement action should be taken against them for failing to monitor their legal responsibilities. On the basis of an examination of their written responses, decisions were made.

In more than a month, this is the third enforcement action against an airline owned by the Tata Group. In a statement, AirAsia India stated that it is considering an appeal against the DGCA judgment while also reviewing the order.

"We admit that the DGCA made a conclusion after inspecting the main base in November 2022 that had to do with pilot training exercises. Immediate corrective action was implemented in collaboration with the DGCA, and extra simulator training sessions were conducted to close the gap "In the statement, a representative for AirAsia said.

According to an AirAsia spokesperson, the airline has already required pilots to participate in activities as part of simulator training that goes above and above the criteria set forth by regulations. "We want to stress once more that the safety margins needed for our activities are not being violated. Even so, we are examining the DGCA order and are debating filing an appeal in accordance with the applicable regulatory procedures "AirAsia India said.

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