Air India Pilots Grounded Over Lapsed Licenses Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

Air India has temporarily grounded a copilot and a senior captain after discovering they operated flights without valid English Language Proficiency (ELP) licenses. The incidents come just five months after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reprimanded the airline for scheduling and rostering lapses. The regulator is now investigating the fresh lapses and has sought a report from Air India.

Key Takeaways:

• A copilot operated a flight despite having a lapsed English Language Proficiency (ELP) license, which is mandatory for pilots to fly.
• A senior captain was piloting an A320 flight with a lapsed ELP license, raising concerns about Air India's oversight.
• The Airbus A320 co-pilot operated a flight without completing mandatory corrective training and rechecking his proficiency.
• Air India has initiated strong disciplinary proceedings against the pilots involved and reported the incident to the DGCA.
• The regulator, DGCA, is investigating the incidents and has sought a report from Air India.
• A valid ELP license is required for all pilots to ensure they can communicate effectively and safely with air traffic control.

Statistics:

• 2 Air India pilots have been grounded amid allegations of operating flights with lapsed ELP licenses.
• The incidents come just 5 months after the DGCA reprimanded Air India for scheduling and rostering lapses.
• 70% of air traffic control interactions are in English, making ELP a critical requirement for pilots.
• The DGCA conducts bi-annual instrument rating-pilot proficiency checks (IR-PPC) to ensure pilots meet safety standards.

Sources:

• "Air India asks pilots to ensure they meet all licence requirements" - The Times of India
• "DGCA seeks report from Air India over lapses" - The Times of India
• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) website - [No specific date] (no date mentioned in the source)