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New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
DGCA to form a committee to revise medical parameters for Indian pilots: Airline Pilots Association
NEW DELHI: Aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has agreed to constitute a committee to revise medical parameters for pilots operating civilian aircraft in India. According to the Airline Pilots Association of India (ALPA), the revised standards would be in line with the recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). This followed a grievance raised by the association that the mandatory medical evaluations done by the regulator's empanelled medical centres were inconsistent with the international body's recommendations. An official release said the committee's approval was one of the key outcomes of a meeting between ALPA and the regulator at its head office in New Delhi on Monday (July 14). ALPA, a Bengaluru-based organisation over two decades old, represents more than 1,000 Indian pilots working both in India and abroad. Last week, the association had rejected the findings of the probe into the Ahmedabad plane crash by the Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and lashed out at the bias toward pilot error. As of now, the medical evaluations for civilian pilots are being carried out at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine in Bengaluru and the Air Force Central Medical Establishment of the Indian Air Force.
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The Independent
4 days ago
- The Independent
Air India crash reignites decades-old debate
The recent fatal Air India crash has reignited a long-standing debate within the aviation industry regarding the proposed mandatory installation of cockpit video recorders. Advocates, including International Air Transport Association head Willie Walsh, argue that video footage would significantly assist accident investigations by providing crucial visual data, complementing existing voice and flight data recorders. A recent Australian Transport Safety Bureau report highlighted the invaluable role of cockpit video in determining pilot distraction in a 2023 helicopter crash, strengthening calls for wider adoption. Conversely, pilots' unions in the US, such as ALPA and APA, oppose the measure, citing concerns over privacy invasion, potential misuse of footage for disciplinary actions, and the risk of sensitive material being leaked to the public. While cockpit voice recordings are typically kept confidential, the International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations expresses strong scepticism that similar confidentiality could be maintained for video data, given the demand for sensational content.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Air India 171 crash: CEO Campbell Wilson says ‘not a moment gone by without thinking of the victims'— but final answers still awaited
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has said the probe into last month's fatal crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner near Ahmedabad is still ongoing, and it is too early to reach any conclusions. In an internal memo sent to staff, Wilson noted that the preliminary report from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) identified no cause and made no recommendations. Wilson described the days since the crash as 'a period in which not a moment has gone by without thinking of the passengers, friends, colleagues, and wider community who were lost or injured.' He added that the report brought both clarity and fresh questions. The AAIB's initial findings revealed that the aircraft's fuel cutoff switches flipped unexpectedly moments after takeoff, which cut fuel to both engines and caused the aircraft to crash, killing 260 people. Report clears aircraft, fuel and maintenance processes The CEO stressed that the report found no mechanical problems, no fuel quality issues, and no abnormality during the take-off roll. The aircraft's mandatory maintenance checks had all been completed. Pilots had passed breathalyser tests and had no flagged medical conditions before the flight. Wilson stated that out of precaution, Air India had inspected all Boeing 787 aircraft in its fleet after the crash. 'All aircraft were found fit for service,' he said. 'We continue to perform all necessary checks, and will act on any new suggestions from authorities.' CEO urges staff to avoid speculation and stay focused Wilson urged staff to avoid drawing early conclusions from the report. 'Until a final report or cause is tabled, there will no doubt be new rounds of speculation and sensational headlines,' he said. 'We must remain focused on our task — supporting those affected and delivering safe, reliable service.' He acknowledged that media reports had triggered renewed speculation, but encouraged staff to instead focus on Air India's values of integrity, teamwork, innovation, and customer service. Wider scrutiny and ALPA's call for fair inquiry The airline is under close scrutiny following the crash. On July 4, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency announced a probe into Air India Express after reports emerged that it failed to replace engine parts on time and misrepresented compliance records. Meanwhile, ALPA India, representing Indian pilots within the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations, rejected early assumptions of pilot error in the Ahmedabad crash. ALPA President Sam Thomas urged for a fact-based probe and said the pilots' body should be allowed to participate as observers in the investigation. As the investigation continues, Air India says it will cooperate fully while urging staff and media to avoid premature assumptions.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'You don't even know basics': Pilots' Association objects to Air India crash probe report; says 'not happy with investigation, unfairly blames crew'
NEW DELHI: The Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA) on Monday raised concerns over the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's (AAIB) preliminary report on the Air India 171 crash, saying they were 'not happy' with the investigation. Speaking to news agency PTI, ALPA India president Sam Thomas said, "The timing of the release of document was middle of the night, it doesn't have any signatures, one sentence is misleading, there is no altitude of aircraft given, these are elementary mistakes terms like full authority digital engine control was written 'dual engine control', so you don't even know the basics." "We are not happy with the investigation, it is going in direction of blaming the pilots, that is our objection," he added. These remarks come after India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its preliminary report into the June 12 plane Air India crash. The report, released late Saturday night, revealed that both engine fuel switches had moved to the "CUTOFF" position seconds after takeoff, leading to a loss of thrust and the eventual crash that killed 260 people. According to the AAIB's preliminary findings, 'the engine 1 and engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF position one after another with a time gap of one second,' just three seconds after the aircraft became airborne. The report did not offer any blame or conclusions but noted a cockpit exchange in which one pilot asked the other why he had cut off the fuel, to which the other replied he had not. No further details of the cockpit dialogue were disclosed. ALPA India, which represents Indian pilots under the global ALPA-I network, strongly criticised the preliminary crash report, alleging procedural flaws and a rushed attempt to blame the pilots. Earlier in a statement, ALPA had said that, "The tone and direction of the investigation suggest a bias toward pilot error. We categorically reject this presumption and insist on a fair, fact-based inquiry." ALPA has formally requested the AAIB to be included in the investigation process as observers "to provide the requisite transparency." It also criticised the bureau for releasing documents "without any responsible official signature or attribution." Another Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) said it was deeply disturbed by speculative narratives and particularly the reckless and unfounded insinuation of pilot suicide. "The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) expresses its unwavering support for the flight crew of Air India flight Al 171. In the aftermath of this incident, we are deeply disturbed by speculative narratives emerging in sections of the media and public discourse, particularly the reckless and unfounded insinuation of pilot suicide," the ICPA said in the statement. "Let us be unequivocally clear: there is absolutely no basis for such a claim at this stage, and invoking such a serious allegation based on incomplete or preliminary information is not only irresponsible, it is deeply insensitive to the individuals and families involved," it added. The association highlighted the rigorous psychological and professional screening processes that pilots undergo, alongside regular training to maintain the highest safety standards and mental fitness requirements. They stated that suggesting pilot suicide without verified evidence undermines ethical reporting and professional dignity. ICPA urged media outlets and commentators to exercise restraint and show respect for proper investigative procedures. " The ICPA remains committed to defending the integrity and well-being of our members and calls on all to uphold the principles of fairness and factual reporting," the pilots' association added. The Air India Flight 171 crash claimed the lives of 241 out of 242 people on board, which included 230 passengers and 12 crew members, only one passenger survived. On the ground, 19 people were killed and 67 others were injured. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
South China Morning Post
6 days ago
- South China Morning Post
Was pilot error to blame for Air India crash? Groups urge transparency amid bias concerns
An initial probe into last month's deadly Air India crash has raised alarm among pilot groups, who warn that preliminary findings hinting at human error are premature and risk unfairly blaming the flight crew before the investigation is complete. A report by India 's Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), released on Friday, found that fuel supply to the aircraft's engines was abruptly cut off just after take-off on June 12, moments before the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into a college hostel in Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 on the ground. The findings, based on cockpit voice recordings, captured an exchange in which one pilot asked, 'Why did you cut off?' and the other replied, 'I didn't.' On the Boeing 787 – the model involved in the crash – the fuel cut-off switches are located between the pilots' seats, just behind the throttle levers, and are designed with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental activation. Despite this, the recorded exchange has sparked speculation over whether the fuel was shut off deliberately or by mistake, prompting strong objections from pilot associations. Thick black smoke billowing from a residential area after Air India flight AI171 crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 on the ground. Photo: AFP The Airline Pilots Association of India (ALPA) told local media on Sunday it was considering legal action to secure representation in the investigative process, alleging that the preliminary report demonstrated a bias towards pilot error.
