New Delhi: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has made several key recommendations to strengthen aviation safety and reduce risks during flight operations.
The agency has advised the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to review the training records of pilots operating all aircraft, with particular emphasis on those employed by non-scheduled air operators. It has also stressed the need to ensure that helicopter pilots operating in challenging mountainous regions such as the Kedarnath Valley have the minimum required mountain-flying experience. Separately, the Central government has informed the Supreme Court that rules aimed at curbing sudden fluctuations in airfares have been approved and are expected to be published within two weeks.
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AAIB Recommends Review of Pilot Training Records
The AAIB has recommended that the DGCA conduct a comprehensive one-time review of pilot training records across aircraft operations. The agency has called for particular scrutiny of pilots working for non-scheduled air operators.
The review is intended to establish whether all mandatory exercises are being conducted during every simulator training session, as required under applicable regulations.
Simulator training plays an important role in preparing pilots to handle routine flight operations as well as emergencies. Any gaps in training or failure to conduct mandatory exercises could raise concerns about a pilot’s preparedness to respond appropriately in critical situations.
The agency has also suggested that instructions be issued to non-scheduled and general aviation operators to establish systems ensuring that pilots receive all mandatory training in accordance with regulatory requirements. This should include exercises designed to prepare pilots for serious emergencies.
Recommendations Linked to the Mumbai Learjet Crash
The recommendations form part of the investigation report into the crash of a Learjet 45XR aircraft operated by VSR Ventures at Mumbai airport on September 14, 2023. The aircraft, registered as VT-DBL, was operating a non-scheduled flight from Visakhapatnam when the accident occurred. All eight people on board sustained serious injuries.
Based on the findings of the investigation, the AAIB highlighted the need to examine pilot training arrangements and compliance with mandatory training requirements. The recommendations aim to ensure that prescribed procedures are followed during training and that pilots are adequately prepared to respond to emergencies.
The proposed review is also intended to help identify potential gaps in training practices and reinforce compliance with aviation safety requirements.
Mountain-Flying Experience Recommended for Kedarnath Pilots
The AAIB has also made an important recommendation concerning helicopter operations in the Kedarnath Valley. It has said that pilots flying helicopters in the region should possess the minimum prescribed experience in mountain flying.
The recommendation comes amid concerns about helicopter safety on routes serving the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. Mountainous terrain, difficult geographical conditions and rapidly changing weather can make flight operations particularly challenging, requiring specialised skills and experience.
Between 2015 and 2025, eight helicopter-related accidents were reported along the Char Dham pilgrimage routes. According to the available information, non-compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) by crew members was a major contributing factor in most of these incidents.
The AAIB’s final report also referred to lapses in following established operating procedures.
In light of these incidents, the agency has emphasised the importance of pilots’ experience, appropriate training and strict adherence to prescribed safety procedures when operating in mountainous regions.
However, the available information does not specify the minimum number of mountain-flying hours that pilots would be required to complete.
Rules to Curb Sudden Airfare Hikes Expected Within Two Weeks
In a separate development concerning the aviation sector, the Central government informed the Supreme Court on Friday that legislation aimed at curbing sudden fluctuations in airfares had received approval.
The government said the relevant rules would be published within two weeks.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta conveyed the information to a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, R. Mahadevan and A.K. Singh.
The Supreme Court directed the government to place the published rules before it at the next hearing. The proposed framework is intended to clarify the regulatory arrangements for addressing sudden changes in airfares. However, detailed provisions specifying the permissible extent of fare increases, the scope of the rules and the potential consequences of violations have not yet been made available.
The provisions are expected to become clearer once the government publishes the rules and submits them to the court for consideration.
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