India Enhances Aviation Safety Measures After Mangalore Air Crash

Strategic Insights -

Following the 2010 Mangalore air crash, which shook the aviation industry, the Indian government undertook immediate actions to strengthen the civil aviation safety oversight system, focusing on aerodromes, airworthiness, and operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the USA had previously audited the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in 2009, confirming efforts to build a robust system were underway. The government formed a Civil Aviation Safety Advisory Council (CASAC) in May 2010, comprising experts from various fields, to strengthen aviation safety. Key initiatives included reassurance drives, special operations surveillance, and the formation of working groups covering operations, aerodromes, air navigation services, and airworthiness. Immediate actions addressed deficiencies in these areas, with several safety-related circulars issued and implemented. Regulatory provisions for penal actions against pilots reporting for duty with alcohol consumption were established, and pilots are now subjected to Breath Analyzer tests prior to flights.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Mangalore air crash investigation report, released in April 2011, revealed the need for a robust safety oversight system, leading to the formation of CASAC in May 2010.
  • The Council met to synergize expertise in airlines, airworthiness, operations, air navigation, aerodromes, and aircraft engineering to strengthen aviation safety.
  • Immediate actions included reassurance drives, special operations surveillance, and working groups for operations, aerodromes, air navigation services, and airworthiness.
  • Safety-related circulars, such as enforcing the presence of cabin crew in the cockpit in case of one pilot's incapacitation, were issued and implemented.
  • Regulatory provisions for penal actions against pilots with alcohol consumption were established, and pilots are subjected to Breath Analyzer tests prior to flights.
  • The experience requirements for foreign pilots were enhanced, and they are subjcted to the same medical standards as Indian pilots.
  • The analysis of the crash revealed that several issues in aerodromes, operations, and airworthiness had arisen, and immediate actions were taken to address these deficiencies.
  • An Aerodromes Directorate has been set up in AAI with support staff and DGCA has undertaken a special drive for licensing of AAI airports.

Statistics:

  • 42 airports for public use have been licensed by DGCA as on date, against 29 in January 2011.
  • 6 AAI licensed airports existed in November 2010.
  • 32 AAI airports are licensed by DGCA.
  • Immediate actions have been taken to address deficiencies in aerodromes, operations, and airworthiness.
  • 29 airworthiness inspectors were added to the DGCA.
  • 21 aircraft engineers were added to the DGCA.
  • The period of Instructorship/Examiner-ship has been restricted to 5 years with proficiency check every 2 years.

Sources:

  • The Government of India
  • The Court of Inquiry Report
  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the USA
  • The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
  • The Airports Authority of India (AAI)
  • The Civil Aviation Safety Advisory Council (CASAC)