Air India Pilots Flew Without Valid Licenses; DGCA Investigates Amidst Previous Warnings

Air India is once again facing scrutiny from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) after two pilots operated commercial flights with significant regulatory lapses. In one incident, a co-pilot reportedly flew an Airbus A320 flight despite failing a crucial Pilot Proficiency Check (PPC) and Instrument Rating (IR) test, and subsequently operating a flight without completing the required remedial training. This is considered an "extremely serious" lapse. In a separate case, a senior commander piloted an A320 flight while his English Language Proficiency (ELP) certificate, a mandatory requirement, had expired.

The DGCA has launched an investigation into both incidents and has requested detailed reports from Air India. The airline has confirmed these violations, stating that the pilots involved have been removed from flying duty ("off-rostered") and disciplinary proceedings have begun. All information has been reported to the DGCA.

These incidents are particularly concerning as they occur just five months after the DGCA had previously pulled up Air India for "repeated and serious violations" in crew rostering and compliance. Following those findings, the regulator had warned of strict penalties, including licence suspension. The latest lapses suggest that Air India's internal monitoring and compliance checks remain inconsistent, potentially jeopardizing its operations and reputation.

Impact: These ongoing regulatory issues can lead to significant fines, operational disruptions, and damage to Air India's reputation, potentially affecting investor confidence if the airline were publicly traded or its parent company. The DGCA may impose stricter oversight or penalties. Rating: 7/10.

Difficult Terms: Pilot Proficiency Check (PPC): A mandatory test that pilots must pass periodically to ensure they maintain their flying skills and competence. Instrument Rating (IR): A qualification that allows a pilot to fly aircraft solely by reference to instruments, without external visual references, essential for flying in adverse weather conditions. English Language Proficiency (ELP): A certification demonstrating a pilot's adequate command of the English language, which is the international language of aviation.