DGCA imposes fines on SpiceJet and Air India for not scheduling qualified pilots in low visibility conditions
DGCA had issued a notice to Air India and SpiceJet for not deploying pilots trained to operate in low visibility conditions following diversions of several flights amid dense fog at Delhi airport in late December.
New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday imposed a hefty fine of Rs 30 lakh each on Air India and SpiceJet for flouting specified norms and not scheduling pilots trained to operate flights in low visibility conditions.
After analyzing the flight delays/cancellations/diversion-related data submitted by scheduled airlines for December 2023, DGCA found that Air India and SpiceJet had not scheduled “CAT II/III and LVTO qualified pilots” for some flights, an official said.
As per two official orders from the DGCA, the aviation watchdog has imposed a fine of Rs 30 lakh each on Air India and SpiceJet.
Earlier this month, DGCA had issued a notice to Air India and SpiceJet for not deploying pilots trained to operate in low visibility conditions following diversions of several flights amid dense fog at Delhi airport in late December.
Between December 25 and 28 last year, flight operations at Delhi airport were significantly affected and nearly 60 flights of various airlines were diverted due to dense fog.
The civil aviation regulator's announcement came against the backdrop of over 50 flights to Delhi being diverted due to poor visibility on December 24-25 and December 27-28, when the national capital and adjoining areas were engulfed by a blanket of thick fog, resulting in several flights being diverted to nearby airports as visibility dropped to just 0-50 meters on some occasions.
“The two airlines must respond within fourteen days. The announcement is for scheduling of pilots who are not CAT III compliant,” a DGCA official said at the time.
What is CAT III technology?
The CAT III technology, an Instrument Landing System (ILS), is a navigation system that guides aircraft to the runway during poor weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog or snow when visibility is poor.
CAT III technology minimizes the need for flight diversions because it allows landings with a visibility of 200 meters and a ceiling of 60 meters.
CAT II/III refers to flights in poor visibility, while LVTO refers to poor visibility takeoff.
CAT III technology helps aircraft land during dense fog and poor visibility, and pilots trained in the said technology are better equipped to handle landings during such poor weather conditions.
(With PTI inputs)