New rules from DGCA increase regulations for non-scheduled operators, citing the need for accountability beyond just pilots.

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has acknowledged the recent plane crashes and has announced stricter safety measures for non-scheduled flight operators. These measures include public disclosure of aircraft maintenance history and a safety ranking system. The decision was made during a meeting held with all non-scheduled operators, following the tragic crash of a non-scheduled plane in Jharkhand that claimed seven lives. The meeting stressed the importance of prioritizing safety above all other considerations, such as commercial commitments or VIP movements. The authority also emphasized that the Pilot-in-Command's decision to divert, delay, or cancel a flight for safety reasons must be respected by operators without any negative consequences. This serves as a reminder that safety should always remain the top priority for any organization. To ensure compliance, the regulator has warned that accountable managers and senior leadership of non-scheduled operators will be held personally responsible for any safety lapses. It was also stated that safety cannot be solely blamed on pilots, as there are many factors that contribute to a safe flight. The DGCA has also introduced several steps to increase safety measures, including intensive audits of non-scheduled operators. These audits will involve random checks of Cockpit Voice Recorder, cross verification of ADS-B data, fuel records, and technical logs. The regulator will also require public disclosure of critical safety information, such as aircraft age and maintenance history. Additionally, there will be a safety ranking for non-scheduled operators, and stricter penalties will be imposed on pilots for non-compliance. The regulator has also announced increased monitoring of older aircraft and those undergoing ownership changes. Non-scheduled operators with their own Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facilities will also be audited, and if found inadequate, they will be required to outsource maintenance to approved organizations. Furthermore, operators must establish real-time weather update systems and ensure strict compliance with Standard Operating Practices. The DGCA plans to conduct a special safety audit of all non-scheduled operators, with the first phase already completed in early March. The second phase will cover the remaining operators. To ensure proper understanding and alignment with these new safety mandates, a physical workshop on safety will also be convened. The decision to implement stricter safety measures was made after a comprehensive review of accident data from the past decade. The review identified non-adherence to Standard Operating Procedures, inadequate flight planning, and training deficiencies as the primary causative factors in aircraft accidents. This serves as a reminder to all operators to follow proper procedures and prioritize safety at all times. The recent crash in Jharkhand was the second in less than a month, involving a non-scheduled operator. On January 28, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others lost their lives in a plane crash near Baramati. These incidents highlight the critical need for increased safety measures in the aviation sector. Orissa POST - Odisha's No.1 English Daily.