The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced new safety protocols in response to a pronounced rise in aviation incidents across the country. This decision came after a high-level meeting between the regulatory body and Non-Scheduled Operators (NSOPs). The urgent measures follow a tragic air ambulance accident in Jharkhand that resulted in the deaths of all seven individuals on board, as well as a recent crash involving a private aircraft that had been transporting Ajit Pawar, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, on January 28.

The DGCA stressed the importance of prioritising safety over all commercial operations, charter commitments, or the transportation of VIPs. The authority highlighted that the leadership of organizations in the aviation sector must place safety as their foremost concern. Additionally, the DGCA reaffirmed that the decisions made by the Pilot-in-Command regarding flight diversions, delays, or cancellations for safety reasons are to be regarded as final, and operators must adhere to these decisions without incurring commercial penalties.

Implementation of Immediate Safety Measures

In its newly introduced safety initiative, the DGCA outlined several immediate measures intended to enhance aviation safety. NSOP operators will be required to publish all critical safety information on their official websites. Furthermore, a safety ranking mechanism is planned for implementation to assess all non-scheduled operators. The frequency of random audits focusing on Cockpit Voice Recorders will also increase. Senior management in private aviation companies will now be held accountable for any infractions regarding compliance, and pilots who violate duty time limits may face license suspensions of up to five years. Operators who do not meet compliance standards will also be subjected to penalties, along with heightened monitoring of older aircraft and those undergoing changes in ownership. Moreover, operators are mandated to establish real-time systems to update weather information.

The DGCA characterized these guidelines as “phase 1” of a broader special safety audit aimed at non-scheduled operators. This initial phase is projected to be completed by early March, after which a second phase will commence.

Audit Findings Prompt Action Against VSR Ventures

In connection with the crash involving the Learjet that operated the flight carrying Ajit Pawar, the DGCA has announced the grounding of the Learjet fleet owned by Delhi-based VSR Ventures Private Limited. The decision follows the results of a safety audit revealing multiple failures to comply with approved airworthiness procedures and operational safety standards within the organization. Consequently, the DGCA has mandated the immediate grounding of Learjet 40/45 aircraft with the registrations VT-VRA, VT-VRS, VT-VRV, and VT-TRI until compliance with airworthiness standards can be reinstated.

Pawar was en route from Mumbai to Baramati when the aircraft crashed near Baramati airport, erupting into flames. The incident claimed the lives of his personal security officer, two pilots, and a flight attendant, leaving no survivors. The DGCA’s actions reflect a commitment to enhancing safety protocols in the wake of these tragic events, as the aviation sector grapples with heightened scrutiny over safety measures and operational compliance.

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