The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday announced eight stringent new safety measures following a surge in aviation incidents over recent months. The decision was taken after a high-level review meeting with non-scheduled operators (NSOPs), aimed at strengthening aviation safety standards in India.
According to the regulator, a detailed analysis of accident data over the past decade revealed that non-compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), poor flight planning, and training gaps were the leading causes of aircraft accidents.
“Safety must remain the absolute priority, superseding all commercial considerations, charter commitments, or VIP movements,” the DGCA emphasised in its statement.
Key Safety Measures Announced by DGCA
1) Mandatory Public Disclosure of Safety Data
In a major transparency push, NSOP operators will be required to publicly disclose critical safety information on their websites. This includes aircraft age, maintenance records, and pilot experience details, allowing customers to make informed decisions before chartering flights.
2) Safety Ranking System for Operators
The DGCA plans to introduce a safety ranking mechanism for non-scheduled operators. These rankings and evaluation criteria will be published on the regulator’s website to enhance accountability and public awareness.
3) Intensive Audits and Data Cross-Verification
The authority will conduct random Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) audits and cross-check ADS-B flight data, fuel logs, and technical records to identify unauthorised operations or falsified data entries.
4) Accountability of Senior Management
Senior leadership and accountable managers will be held personally responsible for systemic safety violations, shifting accountability beyond pilots alone.
5) Stricter Penalties for Violations
Pilots violating Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) or attempting unsafe landings below prescribed minima may face license suspension of up to five years. Operators failing compliance standards could also see their permits suspended.
6) Enhanced Maintenance Scrutiny
Older aircraft and aircraft undergoing ownership changes will be subjected to increased monitoring and regulatory audits, ensuring strict maintenance oversight.
(Remaining measures to be detailed by DGCA in subsequent notifications and circulars.)
Why This Matters
India’s aviation sector has seen rapid growth in charter services and private aviation. However, recent incidents have raised safety concerns, prompting DGCA to tighten oversight and enforce strict compliance across the industry. The new measures are expected to improve transparency, accountability, and operational safety.