SpiceJet in spot over safety norms breach

New Delhi: Days after media baron Kalanithi Maran's much-hyped takeover of SpiceJet, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) severely indicted the low-cost private airline for not conforming to safety standards.
A DGCA report has pointed out serious lapses highlighting the carrier's disregard for passenger safety. In violation of civil aviation norms, some senior commanders who were not qualified to operate flights during the monsoon were rostered for flying.
Capt Vijay Swaminathan operated flights between April 1 and April 4 despite his medical fitness certificate having expired on March 31.
The airline is still using the air operator permit (AOP) issued to Royal Airways, the old name of SpiceJet, in 2005 instead of getting a new permit.
The DGCA carried out a safety audit of the airline from June 28 to July 1. On August 11, the aviation regulator wrote to SpiceJet, asking it to take corrective action within four weeks.
Among the charges against the airline is violating flight duty timings (FDTL/FTL) beyond the extension limits (for pilots and cabin crew).
This was a serious issue and could affect flight safety since pilots are not rested, a senior commander said. Gupta said at times FDTL violations went beyond the company's control because of ATC delays etc, but "we will rectify it". The DGCA also directed the airline to get a fresh AOP. "The AOP was originally issued in favour of Royal Airways Ltd.
18/09/10 Ajmer Singh/India Today

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Categories: SpiceJet Sep 2010