DGCA Issues Show-Cause Notice To Air India Pilot Over Repeated Snags On Delhi-Tokyo Flights

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show-cause notice to an Air India pilot over safety concerns on flights AI-358 and AI-357, which operate on the New Delhi-Tokyo route. The DGCA flagged several safety concerns related to aircraft dispatch procedures, compliance with the Minimum Equipment List (MEL), and flight crew decision-making processes in its notice.

The aviation regulator noted that the pilot accepted the aircraft despite repeated technical glitches. The regulatory body had already issued PACK ACM L and Pack Mode advisories for the flight. To add to the problems, the civil aviation authority noted that a smell of smoke was reported near the R2 door of the AI-358 flight.

According to a report by NDTV, citing an Air India source, it was the second such communication from the DGCA concerning flights on this route. In another instance, technical issues with heating and cooling systems, which fall under the Minimum Equipment List (MEL), reportedly led to the diversion of a flight to Kolkata.

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DGCA Flagged Technical Glitches In The Past

In the notice issued by the DGCA, the aircraft involved had a documented history of technical faults, with similar issues reported on at least five earlier flights. The regulator said these problems had also surfaced in other sectors, suggesting a pattern of recurring mechanical deficiencies rather than a one-off failure.

According to the DGCA, the aircraft was permitted to continue operations despite certain safety systems not meeting required standards. The regulator alleged that the flight crew gave a go-ahead for its operations despite being aware of repeated technical failures.

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In its notice, the DGCA stated that the cockpit crew did not properly evaluate the cumulative safety risks posed by multiple inoperative or degraded systems. It further noted that the pilots lacked a clear understanding of system limitations and their interdependencies, raising serious concerns over flight safety.

The aviation regulator has directed the pilots to respond within 14 days and explain why action should not be taken against them under the Aircraft Rules and applicable Civil Aviation Requirements, warning that regulatory measures may follow based on their reply.