Top Army official flies in GoAir cockpit, DGCA summons pilots

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has summoned a commander and a co-pilot of GoAir for reportedly allowing two people to fly in the cockpit from Leh to Jammu on Wednesday in violation of all aviation safety rules. The regulator will also examine if by doing so, the airline actually carried more people than the 180 passenger seats that its Airbus A-320s has. Sources claimed the two who travelled in the cockpit were senior army officials, including the top army official of Leh — general officer commanding Lt Gen Ravi Dastane.
This alleged violation of safety rules happened on GoAir's G8 151 on Wednesday. A passenger on the flight noticed two persons entering the aircraft and straightway going to the cockpit. "They remained in the cockpit for the entire duration of the flight to Jammu," the passenger said, adding that on being asked how two non-crew members were allowed inside the cockpit, the crew claimed it had DGCA's permission.
"I got a complaint about people being allowed inside the cockpit of the flight. On checking, it was found to be true. I have called the two pilots and airline's the director (safety) to explain this," DGCA Bharat Bhushan said.
08/06/12 Times of India

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Categories: GoAir Jun 2012