- DGCA mandates NSOPs to disclose aircraft age, maintenance, and pilot experience online
- Safety ranking system for non-scheduled operators to be published on DGCA website
- Intensive audits including CVR checks and data verification to detect violations
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday announced eight new stringent safety measures amid a rise in aviation accidents, and mandated operators to publish information such as aircraft age, maintenance history and pilot experience on the website, while emphasizing the critical need for an increased focus on safety across the sector.
The decision to mandate stringent measures was taken after a high-level meeting with non-scheduled operators (NSOP) to address a recent surge in incidents.
DGCA said that the interaction with NSOP took place following a comprehensive review of accident data from the past decade, which identifies non-adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), inadequate flight planning, and training deficiencies as the primary causative factors in aircraft accidents.
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"Safety must remain the absolute priority, superseding all commercial considerations, charter commitments, or VIP movements," noted DGCA in a statement, adding, "Safety lapses cannot simply be blamed on pilots."
The regulator also noted that weather-related accidents are often the result of poor judgment rather than the unpredictability of weather.
Over the last few months, several plane crash incidents have taken place. On January 28, Ajit Pawar and four others onboard a chartered plane were killed when it crashed while attempting to land near Baramati. A day ago, an air ambulance heading to Delhi from Ranchi crashed in Jharkhand killing all seven on board. Whereas, on Tuesday, the Pawan Hans helicoptor crashed in the Andaman sea before landing near Mayabunder.
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The aviation regulator reaffirmed that the Pilot-in-Command's decision to divert, delay, or cancel a flight for safety reasons is final and must be respected by operators without commercial consequences.
It also warned that pilots found violating FTDL norms could face licence suspension for up to five years.
"Operators that fail to meet compliance standards may also face penalties, including the suspension of their licences and permits."
DGCA further stated that a physical workshop on safety will be convened following the completion of current intensive audits to ensure all stakeholders are aligned with these new operational mandates.
New Stringent Measures Announced By DGCA
1) Mandatory Public Disclosures
NSOPs will be required to disclose critical safety information on their websites, including aircraft age, maintenance history, and pilot experience.
2) Safety Ranking
The regulator is planning to implement a safety ranking mechanism of all non-scheduled operators and the criteria for such ranking, safety rankings will be published on the DGCA website for public information.
3) Intensive Audits
The authority will conduct increased random Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) audits and cross-verify ADS-B data, fuel records, and technical logs to detect unauthorized operations or the "falsifying" of data.
4) Management Responsibility
Accountable managers and senior leadership will be held personally responsible for systemic non-compliances.
5) Stricter Penalties
Pilots found violating Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) or attempting to land below safety minima may face license suspensions of up to five years.
6) Maintenance Scrutiny
Increased monitoring will be applied to older aircraft and those undergoing ownership changes. NSOPs that run their own Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities will be audited by the regulator.
7) Addressing Weather and Training
Operators are mandated to establish real-time weather update systems and strict compliance of established SOPs.
8) Phase 2 of special safety audit of NSOPs
Subsequent to the completion of phase 1 of special safety audit of NSOPs in early March, 2026, Phase 2 covering the rest of the NSOPs will be undertaken.
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