India Tightens Aviation Oversight After Air India Crash, Orders Compliance Checks Across Flying Schools

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In the wake of the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad, which claimed 271 lives, India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has launched a sweeping review of training and safety compliance across the country’s aviation ecosystem. The move includes a directive to Air India to submit detailed training records of the pilots and dispatcher involved in the incident, as well as a nationwide compliance audit of all flying schools.

Key directives and regulatory actions

- The DGCA has formally requested Air India to provide training documents, flight history, and qualifications of the flight crew and dispatcher of the ill-fated Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
- The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the technical probe, while the DGCA’s request is part of a broader regulatory review
- A separate memo dated June 16 instructs all flying schools to conduct internal audits of training, maintenance, and licensing procedures
- Instructors have been asked to verify adherence to standard operating procedures and coordinate flight plans with nearby airports to ensure emergency preparedness
- Compliance will be assessed during upcoming audits and surveillance checks by the Directorate of Flying Training

Context and safety concerns

- The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, with the aircraft losing altitude and crashing into nearby buildings
- The commanding pilot, Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal, had over 8,200 flying hours and was also an instructor, while the co-pilot had 1,100 hours of experience
- The DGCA’s memo did not raise specific concerns about Air India’s operations but emphasized the importance of reviewing training protocols in the aftermath of a major incident
- Dispatchers, who play a critical role in flight planning and coordination, are also under scrutiny as part of the investigation

Industry response and future implications

- Air India’s chairman has called the incident a wake-up call to build a safer airline, while Boeing executives have met with Indian officials to discuss the crash
- The government has also constituted a high-level committee to examine systemic gaps and recommend improvements to aviation safety protocols
- The renewed focus on compliance and training is expected to lead to tighter oversight, enhanced simulator training, and more rigorous audits across the aviation sector

Sources: Reuters, The Tribune, Indian Express, Firstpost.