NEW DELHI: Tata Group AirAsia India (now AIX Connect) has faced regulatory ire after an audit revealed improper pilot checks. Accordingly, the DGCA has fined the low cost carrier Rs 20 lakh; withdrawn its head of training from his position for three months and fined eight examiners Rs 3 lakh each (meaning a total of Rs 24 lakh). The fines collectively add up to Rs 44 lakh.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had carried out a surveillance inspection of the LCC from November 23-25, 2022. “During the inspection, DGCA team observed that a few mandatory exercises of AirAsia India pilots were not done during pilot proficiency check/instrument rating check (which is an International Civil Aviation Organization requirement) as per schedule, resulting in violation of DGCA regulations,” the regulator said in a statement.
Show cause notices were then served to the airline’s accountable manager, head of training and all its designated examiners as to why enforcement action should not be taken against them for lack of oversight of their regulatory obligations. After examining there written replies, the DGCA statement decided to take enforcement action against the airline.
“Financial Penalty of Rs 20 lakh has been imposed for violation of applicable DGCA civil aviation requirements (CARs or rules). Withdrawal of Head of Training from his position for three months for failing to discharge his duties as per applicable CARs. Financial penalty of Rs 3 lakh on each of the eight designated examiners Ltd for failing to discharge their duties as per applicable CARs,” the statement added.
In the past few days, the regulator has levied fines on several airlines including Air India, Vistara, IndiGo and GoAir for lapses.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had carried out a surveillance inspection of the LCC from November 23-25, 2022. “During the inspection, DGCA team observed that a few mandatory exercises of AirAsia India pilots were not done during pilot proficiency check/instrument rating check (which is an International Civil Aviation Organization requirement) as per schedule, resulting in violation of DGCA regulations,” the regulator said in a statement.
Show cause notices were then served to the airline’s accountable manager, head of training and all its designated examiners as to why enforcement action should not be taken against them for lack of oversight of their regulatory obligations. After examining there written replies, the DGCA statement decided to take enforcement action against the airline.
“Financial Penalty of Rs 20 lakh has been imposed for violation of applicable DGCA civil aviation requirements (CARs or rules). Withdrawal of Head of Training from his position for three months for failing to discharge his duties as per applicable CARs. Financial penalty of Rs 3 lakh on each of the eight designated examiners Ltd for failing to discharge their duties as per applicable CARs,” the statement added.
In the past few days, the regulator has levied fines on several airlines including Air India, Vistara, IndiGo and GoAir for lapses.
