Amid a spate of mid-air incidents involving domestic airlines, the aviation regulator DGCA (directorate general of civil aviation) has taken a serious note while conducting several spot checks. It has issued a series of instructions to be followed to ensure smooth operations.

The aviation regulator says there have been reports of "increased engineering-related occurrences" in scheduled airlines in recent times. In order to ensure that airlines are adhering to the laid down standards, DGCA has conducted several spot checks in the recent past, it says.

After conducting these checks, the DGCA found that airlines did "improper identification of the cause of a reported defect". It also found an increasing trend of MEL (minimum equipment list) releases and non-availability of required certifying staff to cater to “multiple scheduled arrivals or departures” in a short interval.

According to the DGCA, airlines were also found to be resorting to frequent “one-off authorisation to category A certifying” staff at transit stations, which is not in line with existing regulatory provisions.

"Keeping the above in view, it has been decided that all aircraft at base and transit stations shall be released by certifying staff holding AME category B1/B2 licence with appropriate authorisation by their organisation," says the DGCA.

Airlines have been advised to position certifying staff at all base and transit stations, including the availability of required tools and equipment. "Alternatively, you may opt for sending the certifying staff on flight duties," says DGCA. The airlines have been directed to ensure compliance by July 28, 2022.

The directives came after aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia held a meeting with top ministry and DGCA officials. The minister clearly outlined there should be no compromise when it comes to safety.

Airlines continue to come under the DGCA scanner for frequent incidents, which have pointed towards issues with safety and maintenance. On Sunday last week, two incidents involving an IndiGo plane and Air India Express plane came to light.

Indigo planes

Repeated snags: DGCA asks airlines to find solutions by July 28