DGCA fines SpiceJet with INR 10 lakh for using the faulty simulator to train B737 Max pilots

The aviation regulator DGCA has imposed a fine of INR 10 lakh on SpiceJet for training its Boeing 737 Max aircraft's pilots on a faulty simulator as it could have adversely impacted flight safety, sources said on Monday, May 30.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had last month barred 90 SpiceJet pilots at a faulty facility at CAE Simulation Training Pvt Ltd (CSTPL), Greater Noida on March 30 from operating the Max aircraft after finding them not properly trained.

ALSO READ - 90 SpiceJet pilots barred from flying Boeing 737 Max planes by the DGCA

DGCA fines SpiceJet with INR 10 lakh for using the faulty simulator to train B737 Max pilots

After barring the pilots, the regulator had issued a show-cause notice to the airline, sources told PTI. The response sent by the airline was not found satisfactory.

"The training being imparted by the airline could have adversely affected flight safety and hence was nullified," one of the sources stated.

Therefore, the DGCA has imposed a penalty of INR 10 lakh on SpiceJet for using a faulty simulator to train their Max aircraft's pilots, sources mentioned.

Boeing was still in the process of installing its new updated MCAS system at the Noida training facility when the SpiceJet pilots were sent for training.

According to a senior DGCA official, when the 90 pilots were sent for training at the CAE Simulation Training Pvt Ltd in Noida, the Manoeuvring Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) was not working properly on the simulator.

“A part of the MCAS system, the ‘stick shaker’ that vibrates the control column and makes a loud noise when the jet risks losing lift, was not working properly in the simulator at the time of training these pilots,” the official said.

Another industry insider aware of the matter said that at the time of training, Boeing was still in the process of installing its new updated MCAS system at the Noida training facility when the SpiceJet pilots were sent for training.

Boeing had opened this facility in 2020 for training pilots to operate the 737 Max. CSTPL has only approved the 737 MAX simulators in India.

This was installed by Boeing as part of a compensation package provided to SpiceJet due to the business loss caused by the two-year grounding of the aircraft.

Scheduled surveillance checks and surprise audits are done by the regulator to find inefficiencies in the safety system of airlines, airports, flying training organisations and simulators to find deficiencies and implement corrective measures.

SpiceJet is the only Indian airline that has the Max aircraft in its fleet.

The system was dysfunctional since March 17 due to a faulty component that CSTPL imports from abroad. Hence, all co-pilots who have done simulator training will have to undergo the extra two hours of training once again.

The DGCA official added that proper pilot training was part of the aviation regulator’s conditions for lifting the ban on the Boeing 737 Max in India after the planes were grounded in India on March 13, 2019, following the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines 737 Max aircraft near Addis Ababa.

Almost a year before the Ethiopian Airlines crash, a  Lion Air Flight from Jakarta to Pangkal Pinang also had crashed.

The ban on the planes was lifted in August 2021 after the DGCA was satisfied with the software upgrade implemented by Boeing in each of the Max aircraft.

ALSO READ – DGCA allows Boeing 737 Max to fly again

The ban on the planes was lifted in August 2021 after the DGCA was satisfied with the software upgrade implemented by Boeing in each of the Max aircraft. SpiceJet is the only Indian airline that has the Max aircraft in its fleet.

Akasa Air, the new airline backed by ace investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala and aviation veterans Aditya Ghosh and Vinay Dube, had in November last year signed a deal with Boeing to purchase 72 Max planes. Akasa Air has not received any of these planes as yet.

Aviation regulator DGCA has suspended an air traffic controller for three months for approving simultaneous departures of IndiGo flights at the Bengaluru airport on January 7 which led to them coming too close just after takeoff.

The two IndiGo flights -- 6E455 (Bengaluru to Kolkata) and 6E246 (Bengaluru to Bhubaneswar) -- averted a mid-air collision over the Bengaluru airport just after their simultaneous take off from the north runway and south runway, respectively, on January 7 morning.

DGCA suspends ATC for 3 months for near-miss mid-air collision between two Indigo flights

ALSO READ - At Bengaluru Airport, a mid-air collision between two Indigo flights averted

The incident was called "breach of separation", which happens when two aircraft cross the minimum mandatory vertical or horizontal distance in the airspace.

In a statement on Monday, May 30 the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said, "South tower controller gave departure to 6E 455 in coordination with Approach Radar controller and at the same time North tower controller gave departure to 6E 246 without prior coordination with south tower controller and Approach Radar controller."

The suspended controller has been charged with five counts

As both aircraft after departure were on converging heading (moving towards each other), the Approach Radar controller gave diverging heading to separate these aircraft, the regulator noted.

"At the closest point of conflict, the vertical and lateral separation between both aircraft was 100 feet (Standard 1000ft) and 0.9 NM (Standard 3NM)," it said. This entire matter was classified as a "serious incident" and was investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), it noted.

Based on the regulatory assessment, the DGCA has decided to issue a "warning letter to Tower supervisor for not monitoring the activities of the ATC (air traffic controller) tower and non-reporting of the incident", it said.

The two IndiGo flights -- 6E455 (Bengaluru to Kolkata) and 6E246 (Bengaluru to Bhubaneswar) -- averted a mid-air collision over the Bengaluru airport just after their simultaneous take off from the north runway and south runway

Also, the license of the "North tower controller who was also the watch supervisory officer (WSO) of the shift" has been suspended for three months as he did not follow procedures and rules regarding runway operations and he did not report the incident, the DGCA said.

The suspended controller has been charged with five counts, including not reporting the incident, violating the Aeronautical Information Publication (details of regulations, procedures) India for aircraft operation and failing to comply with coordination procedures during the change of runway operations from segregated mode to single mode.

Airbus has confirmed its plans of launching a Zero Emissions Development Centre (ZEDC), to be located in Bristol, that will support the airline’s plans to operate hydrogen-powered passenger aircraft prototypes.

The goal of the ZEDC is to achieve cost-competitive cryogenic tank manufacturing to support the successful future market launch of ZEROe and to accelerate the development of hydrogen-propulsion technologies.

The Airbus eXtra Performance Wing demonstrator on a CessnaCitation VII business jet platform | Representative | travelnewsasia

The ZEDC, which will be installed in Filton, Bristol, will be used to design and manufacture components for zero-emission flight technologies, with a specific focus on hydrogen. Reportedly, the facility is touted to develop cost-competitive cryogenic fuel systems, required for its ZEROe passenger aircraft by 2035. Additionally, it will also serve the dual purpose of accelerating UK skills in hydrogen-propulsion technology.

The tank is a safety-critical component, for which specific systems engineering is needed.

Establishing the ZEDC in the UK expands Airbus’ in-house industrial capabilities to design, develop, test and manufacture cryogenic hydrogen storage tanks and related systems for the ZEROe project across Airbus’ four home countries. This, coupled with our partnership with ATI, will allow us to leverage our respective expertise to realise the potential of hydrogen technology to support the decarbonization of the aviation industryAirbus’ chief technical officer Sabine Klauke said

The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), back in September 2021, had identified liquid hydrogen as having ‘the highest potential’ as the future fuel in the aviation sector although it came with its own set of challenges with regards to surrounding storage and utilising cryogenic hydrogen on board. Furthermore, it also emphasized that liquid hydrogen had more potential when compared to battery and ammonia in aviation.

Representative | Composites World

LH2 can be more challenging than kerosene because it needs to be stored at -250 °C to liquefy-which is needed for increased density.

It was way back in 2020 that Airbus had first unveiled its futuristic designs for zero-emissions aircraft. The company also signed a partnership agreement earlier this year with CFM International-a 50/50 joint company between GE and Safran Aircraft Engines, to collaborate on a hydrogen demonstration programme that will take flight around the middle of this decade.

While both ground and flight tests will be issued for hydrogen-fueled direct combustion engines, the demonstration will use the A380 flight testbed with liquid hydrogen tanks prepared at Airbus facilities in France and Germany.

This is the most significant step undertaken at Airbus to usher in a new era of hydrogen-powered flight since the unveiling of our ZEROe concepts back in September 2020. By leveraging the expertise of American and European engine manufacturers to make progress on hydrogen combustion technology, this international partnership sends a clear message that our industry is committed to making zero-emission flight a realitysaid Sabine Klauke

All three ZEROe concepts are hybrid-hydrogen aircraft.

Reportedly, Delta has become the first US-based airline to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus, as a part of the latter's efforts to commercialise the use of hydrogen for aircraft.

SOURCE(s)

COVER: Wings Magazine

Singapore, which has flung open its borders again, is hosting a two-day job fair through May 28 targeting everyone from graduates to mid-career professionals and former aviation workers who quit during the Covid crisis. Over 6,600 jobs are available at the country’s airport, often voted the world’s best.

As border curbs and mandatory quarantines fall away, a fresh challenge is emerging for global aviation -- rehiring staff fast enough to cope with a rebound in air travel that is already straining the industry.

The task is to lure people to work in an industry that’s been decimated by the virus. Job losses and pay cuts hit aviation workers hard, and many have taken up other, less volatile careers. That resulted in a lack of manpower to properly handle the recovery.

Thousands of aviation jobs are available as Singapore competes to recruit talent

Sydney Airport has struggled with queues and flight disruptions, while staff shortages at London’s Heathrow Airport hurt the earnings of British Airways Plc parent IAG SA.

“People may be thinking twice about returning to such a cyclical industry, especially with economic growth concerns on the horizon,” said Jason Sum, an analyst at DBS Bank Ltd.

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd., which saw its workforce shrink 37% from 2019 high to the end of 2021, sent out emails to hundreds of former cabin crew to gauge their interest in rejoining the company, according to a person familiar with the matter. It’s an uphill task for a carrier hit harder than most due to Hong Kong’s travel restrictions.

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd., which saw its workforce shrink 37% from 2019 high to the end of 2021

In its recently released 2021 sustainability report, Cathay said the number of permanent employees voluntarily leaving jumped to a record high of 17%. Two-fifths of all departures were aged under 30, a sign that younger people may have concluded that aviation isn’t a viable career.

In the US, which reopened quicker than in Asia, thousands of flights were cancelled by Southwest Airlines Co. and American Airlines Group Inc. last year partly due to crew issues.

Dutch airline KLM capped the sale of flights from its Amsterdam Schiphol hub due to an acute shortage of airport security staff.

Travel Strains

Airline passengers, having been starved of travel options for so long, are getting frustrated as the impact of staffing shortages becomes clear. According to SITA Baggage IT Insights, airlines mishandled 24% more bags in 2021 than in 2020, as international and long-haul flights resumed.

In India, 79% of customers said service and the behaviour of airline staff have deteriorated sharply since Covid

ALSO READ - Indian carriers not living up to the expectations of passengers – Survey

In India, 79% of customers said service and the behaviour of airline staff have deteriorated sharply since Covid, a survey undertaken for Bloomberg News shows.

Hiring at Singapore’s Changi Airport will be focused on front-line passenger-service positions, cargo, retail and cleaning, the airport operator said.

Before Covid, air transport and spending by foreign tourists arriving in Singapore by air contributed 11.8% to the local economy and supported 375,000 jobs, according to the International Air Transport Association.

Hiring at Singapore’s Changi Airport will be focused on front-line passenger-service positions, cargo, retail and cleaning.

A wide range of companies are looking for talent at the job fair, including Pratt & Whitney Engine Services Inc., duty-free operator Lotte Travel Retail Singapore and ground-handling and caterer SATS Ltd.

There are openings for service staff at check-in rows, food inspectors and emergency services, according to Changi Airport.

Singapore Rebound

Work has resumed work on Terminal 5 at Singapore’s Changi Airport after being halted two years ago, while there are also plans to reopen Terminal 2 this weekend. Passenger traffic at the airport has returned to close to 50% of pre-Covid levels from less than 20% in mid-March.

Work has resumed work on Terminal 5 at Singapore’s Changi Airport after being halted two years ago, while there are also plans to reopen Terminal 2 this weekend

“More flights and passengers mean more airport staff are needed to support this growth,” Changi said in a statement. “Airport partners are offering market-competitive salaries, incentives, and better career prospects.”

Among them, SATS was offering an SD 5,000 ($3,650) joining bonus for baggage handling and catering jobs that pay a maximum of SD 3,000 a month.

(With Inputs from Bloomberg)

Aviation regulator DGCA on Saturday, May 28 said it has imposed a fine of INR 5 lakh on IndiGo airline for denying boarding to a specially-abled child at Ranchi airport on May 7.

IndiGo had on May 9 said the boy was denied permission to board the Ranchi-Hyderabad flight as he was visibly in panic. After the boy was prohibited from boarding, his parents also decided not to enter the plane.

Order of the DGCA

The regulator said to avoid such situations in the future, it would revisit its regulations, making it mandatory for airlines to take the airport doctor's written opinion on the health of a passenger before deciding to deny boarding.

Moreover, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the new regulations would make sure that there is also a written consultation with the captain of the aircraft for his or her opinion on allowing such a passenger on board.

The DGCA had on May 9 formed a three-member team to investigate the May 7 incident. The regulator on Saturday, May 28 said, "It has been observed that the handling of the special child by the Indigo ground staff was deficient and ended up exacerbating the situation."

IndiGo penalised INR 5 lakh for refusing to board a specially-abled child

More compassionate handling would have smoothened nerves, calmed the child and obviated the need for the extreme step resulting in the passengers being denied boarding.

Special situations deserve extraordinary responses but the airline's staff failed to rise to the occasion, and in the process, committed lapses in adherence to the letter and spirit of the Civil Aviation Requirements (regulations), it noted.

The DGCA has also suggested that airlines should revisit their standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training processes to handle such cases and to bring a more humane touch.

IndiGo had on May 9 said the boy was denied permission to board the Ranchi-Hyderabad flight as he was visibly in panic.

Given this, the competent authority in the DGCA has decided to impose a penalty of INR 5 lakh on the airline under the provisions of the relevant aircraft rules, it mentioned.

ALSO READ - DGCA finds Indigo at fault after not allowing specially-abled child onboard

The three-member team's preliminary findings had on May 16 found IndiGo to violate its regulations, and therefore, the airline was issued a show-cause notice.

To ensure justice, the regulator conducted a personal hearing and allowed the parties to give their written submissions on this incident.

The letter issued by IndiGo

After following the "due process of law", the DGCA decided to impose an INR 5 lakh fine on the carrier. IndiGo CEO Ronojoy Dutta had on May 9 expressed regret over the incident and offered to buy an electric wheelchair for the specially-abled child.

Dutta had said the airline staff took the best possible decision under difficult circumstances.

Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had on May 9 said on Twitter that no human being should have to go through this and he was investigating the Ranchi incident.

Delhi-based company 'Drone Destination' plans to establish at least 150 drone pilot training schools across the country by 2025, its CEO Chirag Sharma has said.

"We intend to partner with universities, agricultural institutes and police academies to serve the distinct needs of the ecosystem and enable employment and entrepreneurship opportunities to over 1 lakh individuals required by our industry by 2025.The company has so far opened six centres: four in association with Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA), the largest flying training organisation under the Ministry of Civil Aviation at Gurugram, Bengaluru, Gwalior and Dharamshala; one in association with Sanskardham Global Mission Institute; and the most recent launch at Punjab's first Drone Training School in Chandigarh University."Chirag Sharma, CEO, Drone Destination

Drone Destination is India's first remote pilot training organisation approved by aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) under the new Drone Rules, 2021. It currently runs six remote pilot training schools in the country.

The company is adding two more schools to its network in association with Hindusthan College of Engineering in Coimbatore and with Vaigai College of Engineering in Madurai, he said.

'Drone Destination' aims to open 150 drone pilot training schools by 2025

While inaugurating the two-day-long Drone Festival of India on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said he dreams that everyone in India to have a smartphone, for every farm to have a drone and for every house prospers.

"Promotion of drone technology is another medium of advancing our commitment to good governance and ease of living. In the form of drones, we have a smart tool that is going to be part and parcel of people's lives,'' Modi had said.

Sharma told PTI, "The company has trained 500 pilots over the past few months. We intend to train about 1,500-2,000 pilots from the Gurugram centre in the coming year, and 500 pilots each from other locations."

Drone Destination is India's first remote pilot training organisation approved by aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) under the new Drone Rules, 2021.

He said Drone Destination plans to open a large network of "150-plus drone hubs by 2025 offering drone training, rent a drone, and drone services from each hub".

ALSO READ - Haryana signs a drone training agreement with IGRUA and Drone Destination

Drone Destination, in association with IGRUA, has also conducted several Train-the-Trainer courses and has developed more than 150 DGCA-approved drone instructors in the country, he mentioned.