Indigo notification sent by DGCA trains 1,700 pilots with non-qualified simulators

Aviation regulator DGCA sent Indigo a show notice Tuesday about lapses in simulator training provided to nearly 1,700 pilots.

The move follows a review of records and responses submitted by airlines last month.

Non-qualified simulator for training in key airports

The regulator has directed Indigo to respond within 14 days and warn action if the airline does not do so.

According to sources, airport training for airports such as Kozhikode, Leh and Kathmandu were performed using non-qualified simulators. These airports require additional operational expertise, for example, Kozhikode has a bench-top runway.

Nearly 1,700 pilots, including pilots in the order and an officer, were affected and were marked for violations during training, testing and inspections. Flaws were found in 20 simulators located in multiple cities – Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad (two respectively), Greater Noida and Gurugram (each) (each) and Bengaluru (four).

DGCA claims Indigo’s directors (training) failed to ensure compliance with civil aviation regulations. The notice also warns of possible penalties under aircraft rules and civil aviation requirements (CAR).

“We confirm that we have received a notification of the reason”: Indigo responds

“We confirm the performance reasons notice issued by DGCA by some pilots related to simulator training. We are reviewing the same situation and will respond to regulators in the prescribed timetable,” an Indigo spokesperson said in a statement.

DGCA’s findings suggest that simulators that are not certified for operations at certain critical airports are used. Class C airports are classified as challenging terrain, weather or runway configurations requiring specialized training for flight safety.