Get pilots who can tackle bad weather and wet runways: DGCA tells airlines

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered domestic carriers to ensure that their pilots are certified to fly during the monsoon as there is a high risk of planes skidding out of control on wet runways. The DGCA has warned airlines, "It will be the responsibility of the operator (airline) to formulate a comprehensive training programme for allweather operations depending upon the flight crew experience, aeroplane capability and aerodrome facilities." When asked, a senior DGCA functionary said, "The orders in this regard have been issued to domestic airlines to ensure that all their pilots are well trained to deal with rough weather".
All airlines and aircraft operators have also been asked to formulate and conduct allweather operations (AWO) training programmes for their crew members.


The DGCA's circular also recommends the AWO training programme on simulators for initial and recurrent training and in-flight training on a particular plane type for all crew members. "Simulation techniques are a valuable training aid for limited visibility operations," says the circular.

Air India and Jet Airways officials claim their pilots have already been trained to operate on wet runways and have undergone the required refresher course. Pilots are given day-long classroom lessons besides training on simulator and route check to make them aware of route on which they would operate.
Read news in full 27/07/14 Sanjay Singh/India Today