In New Delhi, regulators slapped IndiGo Airlines with a fresh penalty after finding that the carrier had run pilot training on simulators that don’t meet safety standards for tricky airports.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said IndiGo used 1,700 pilots—both captains and first officers—in full‑flight simulator sessions that were not approved for Category C airports such as Calicut, Leh and Kathmandu. These airports are tough because of the terrain, weather and difficult approaches, so they require simulators that are specifically certified for those conditions.
The DGCA’s investigation looked at IndiGo’s training logs and email exchanges from late July. It spotted 20 simulators spread across training centres in Chennai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Greater Noida, Gurugram and Hyderabad. The devices, supplied by training firms like CSTPL, FSTC, ACAT and Airbus, were not qualified for the critical airports mentioned above.
As a result, the DGCA hit IndiGo with a total fine of ₹40 lakh. One ₹20 lakh penalty was imposed on the Director of Training, and another ₹20 lakh on the Director of Flight Operations. The fines were issued under CAR Rule 133A and tied to the severity level set by Rule 162 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937.
IndiGo received show‑cause notices in August and submitted explanations that the DGCA found unsatisfactory. The airline was told it could appeal the decision within 30 days, but would have to pay a ₹1,000 fee to the Joint Director General of Civil Aviation.
The DGCA urged the airline to deposit the amount in the Bharatkosh government account within 30 days and promised further action if the payment is not made. This latest enforcement step underscores the regulator’s focus on ensuring pilots are trained on the right equipment, especially for India’s most challenging airports.
Source: aninews
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