Sunday, June 29, 2014

DGCA Does Not Trust Us - Aviation Industry

Neelam Mathews
June 29, 2014


And this is exactly what is happening between the aviation industry and the DGCA that views all operators as violators.
We at AerospaceDiary, have received umpteen calls, all boiling down to the same thing- the DGCA does not have any faith in the industry despite the total powers moving from E Part, 7 to 8 years ago to Part 145 that moves control to airlines to take decisions and to enable the regulator to move on its own business. In essence, the quality manager and engineer hired for precisely the same purpose by the airline have ended up as mere appendages. DGCA interference has led airlines ending up with higher costs and AOGs.
Given that DGCA has incorporated EASAs Part 145 with so much conviction- including the spelling mistakes- it should now follow it to the last word.
"Give a chance to airlines to grow. If you find a defaulter-and there are bound to be some- keep them under scrutiny," said the official. However, he adds, "what did DGCA do in the case of Kingfisher? Gave it a long rope.....where was any responsible regulation in that?"
Take for instance, qn aircraft engineer that moves from one airline to another, well versed with procedures. While he has to give an internal exam, DGCA insists on being around even though it is not required to be. Does an airline not want to ensure it gets the right people, we wonder? Also, there are instances of trained engineers on aircraft systems waiting for exams to be announced for over two years as DGCA has not found the time to conduct them. One thought airlines were also in the business to make money!
So ludicrous is the system that allows you to go to any Part 147 maintenance technician training schools abroad but if the same training school comes to India, DGCA insists on forming its own questions.This has been rejected by UK agencies who cannot accept a deviation from their format!
"We need a free hand...Though SriLanka is such a small country, its regulator accepts the airlines words- there has to be trust- particularly since the regulations allow it to be that way."
"DGCA is interfering and meddling all the time and interpretations vary from person to person and place to place," says a frustrated operator.  "This has been pointed out by ICAO and EASA in the past." The regulator has become a stumbling block, he adds.
"There are barely any experienced people left in the DGCA to guide new junior people.Where is the regulator heading? We need an independent Civil Aviation Authority fast."
Issues are many. Indian licensing is not accepted as it isn't under the Part 66 rule. The only 147 training school (for engineers) is of Airbus. "Even SriLanka has it," moans an engineer. Both are in the draft stage for many years.
Incidentally, 50% of engineers in the Emirates are Indians.
A final depressing word that comes from a stalwart of the industry.
"DGCA is the pall bearer of Indian aviation's coffin. The others include the government of India with its VAT and taxes and Airports Authority of India with its royalties."
Not much left to add.






3 comments:

  1. Very good article, sounds like the DGCA need some practical guidance.

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  2. Why limit the debate to airline/FBO operations only. Is DGCA in a position to certify new indigenous designs? As I remember, MAhindra was trying to get their NM5 certified in India, but was having difficulties since DGCA was not equipped to issue TC.

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  3. very nice article DGCA persons must read it and try to find the solution

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