AI trains pilots to carry out transit checks on aircraft

Mumbai: In view of the recent plane crash at Mangalore, to ensure safety of passengers and, in the process, avoid long delays, Air India has now made it mandatory for pilots to undergo training, so that they will be able to carry out transit checks (pre-flight checking) on aircraft.
The order also comes in the wake of a shortage of engineers to certify an aircraft before takeoff, particularly at small airports.
The process involves checking of oil levels, fill actions and a general visual inspection called a “walk around” to check for any fluid leaks, open and lose panels, and any damage to the flight control surfaces or antennae.
Air India, in fact, was facing an acute shortage of engineers at the time of the Mangalore crash, due to which flights carrying manpower and coffins for victims were delayed. “After the Mangalore crash, all Delhi-Bangalore flights were operated via Mangalore to carry manpower and coffins for victims.
But these flights kept getting delayed as engineers were not available for transit checks. Pilots will now be authorised to certify an aircraft. This will avoid delays. Pilots of other airlines are already authorised to carry out transit checks,” said Shailendra Singh, president, Indian Commercial Pilots Association.
During the Mangalore crash, AI employees were also on a protest strike against a gag order passed against them, and this contributed to the problem. As no AI engineer was present at Mangalore airport to certify an aircraft, a Kingfisher engineer was asked to certify all AI aircraft.
08/06/10 Preety Acharya/Pune Mirror

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: NACIL Jun 2010