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Air India Ltd.

Aviation Watchdog Demands Pilot Training Records After Crash

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In a bid to understand the circumstances leading to the tragic crash of Air India's flight AI171, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has called for the training records of the pilots involved. Sumeet Sabharwal, the pilot, and Clive Kunder, his co-pilot, were among the 270 people who lost their lives when the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into a doctors' accommodation building on take-off from Ahmedabad. The investigation also seeks records related to the dispatcher who approved the flight's departure and details of actions taken following previous Air India audits.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DGCA has requested the training records of pilots Sumeet Sabharwal and Clive Kunder.
  • The two pilots had a combined total of 9,300 flying hours of experience.
  • Sabharwal had 8,200 hours of experience and was also an Air India instructor.
  • Kunder had 1,100 hours of experience.
  • The DGCA has asked flying schools to "strictly follow additional safety and operational measures" to prevent similar incidents.
  • Boeing Commercial Airplanes' head, Stephanie Pope, visited Air India's headquarters to discuss the accident.
  • Air India has canceled a Dreamliner flight from Ahmedabad to London due to precautionary checks.
  • All Indian-registered Dreamliners are undergoing special inspections after the crash.

Statistics:

  • The crash of flight AI171 resulted in the loss of 270 lives.
  • The two pilots involved in the crash had a combined total of 9,300 flying hours of experience.
  • Sabharwal had 8,200 hours of experience, and Kunder had 1,100 hours of experience.
  • The DGCA has asked flying schools to check for compliance with safety procedures in 100% of cases.

Sources:

  • "Air India cancels Dreamliner flight from Ahmedabad to London after precautions" by PTI, The Times of India
  • "DGCA seeks pilot training records of Air India crash victims" by PTI, The Economic Times
  • "Air India crash: Family of UK couple, 29, expecting baby, pay tribute" by OMAR ALI, The Sun
  • "Air India plane crash: Why Boeing's expertise matters" by NIRMAL GHIWALA, Deccan Herald

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