DGCA Issues Stricter Safety Rules, Bans Flights to Risk Zones After Air Accidents

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DGCA Issues Stricter Safety Rules, Bans Flights to Risk Zones After Air Accidents

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has amended its operational guidelines for airlines during adverse weather. It has been emphasized that safety should be given more priority than following the timetable.

Pilots have also been encouraged to change the route of flights in abnormal circumstances. Issuing an operational circular to regular and non-regular airline companies, the regulator said that pilots should check visual signals with instruments to ensure accurate approach and landing assessment.

DGCA issued instructions

Also to deal with visual illusions during night operations in rain or on wet runways. This circular has been issued in view of the recent helicopter accidents in the Kedarnath area and the severe vibration (turbulence) in the Indigo flight going to Srinagar last month.

Instructions to flight crew to maintain extreme vigilance
The DGCA said on Sunday that in view of the increasing impact of climate change, the flight crew has been asked to maintain extreme vigilance. Safety should be given priority over adherence to the timetable. The aircraft captain has been encouraged to change the route or return the aircraft according to the prevailing conditions. The circular mentions the circumstances under which the crew members are expected to change the route or return due to adverse weather, including severe vibrations, strong wind gusts, ice accumulation, obstructive storms or sudden drop in visibility.

Flying prohibited under thunderstorm clouds
In addition, airline companies and pilots have been advised to adopt a conservative approach to decision making as well as plan to avoid the weather. The DGCA statement said that flying under thunderstorm clouds is prohibited as it increases the risk of wind gusts, lightning and hail.

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