NEW DELHI: Flying will remain suspended at India’s biggest flying training organisation (FTO) Red Bird with the aviation regulator re-certifying the FTO “afresh” after finding lapses there. Which means resumption of flying will take “some time”, say sources, that could take three months or more.
Following two crashes in quick succession, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had on October 22 suspended flying at all bases of Redbird and then had conducted a special maintenance audit.
DGCA had shifted its former incharge of FTOs, Captain Anil Gill, to another department following allegations of corruption and collusion with flying schools. A three-member DGCA panel has conducted a preliminary investigation into the allegations against Captain Gill and has sent its recommendation whether this case needs to be probed by an external agency like CBI or ED to the aviation ministry.
Meanwhile on Red Bird, DGCA said in a statement Wednesday: “Pursuant to two serious incidents in quick succession involving aircraft of Red Bird Flight Training Academy Pvt Ltd on October 19 and 22, 2023, DGCA carried out a special maintenance audit of the organisation at its main base at Baramati (Maharashtra) and four sub-bases at Seoni, (Madhya Pradesh), Kalburgi and Belgavi (Karnataka) and Lilabari (Assam).”
“The findings from the special maintenance audit revealed deficiencies in personnel training, maintenance schedules and records, internal audit practices, tool and store management and fuel storage and handling.
Accordingly, DGCA has initiated enforcement action on Red Bird Flight Training Academy and a show cause notice has been issued for the deficiencies. DGCA has reviewed the corrective actions taken by Red Bird on the findings of the maintenance audit. The review has indicated that the flying training organisation has failed to continuously adhere to the provisions of Aircraft Rules, 1937 and Civil Aviation Requirements in order to ensure proper maintenance of the aircraft for ensuring continued safe operations.”
“Accordingly, recertification of the maintenance organization and continuous airworthiness management of M/s Red Bird Flight Training Academy Pvt. Ltd. is being undertaken afresh by DGCA,” the statement added.
Following two crashes in quick succession, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had on October 22 suspended flying at all bases of Redbird and then had conducted a special maintenance audit.
DGCA had shifted its former incharge of FTOs, Captain Anil Gill, to another department following allegations of corruption and collusion with flying schools. A three-member DGCA panel has conducted a preliminary investigation into the allegations against Captain Gill and has sent its recommendation whether this case needs to be probed by an external agency like CBI or ED to the aviation ministry.
Meanwhile on Red Bird, DGCA said in a statement Wednesday: “Pursuant to two serious incidents in quick succession involving aircraft of Red Bird Flight Training Academy Pvt Ltd on October 19 and 22, 2023, DGCA carried out a special maintenance audit of the organisation at its main base at Baramati (Maharashtra) and four sub-bases at Seoni, (Madhya Pradesh), Kalburgi and Belgavi (Karnataka) and Lilabari (Assam).”
“The findings from the special maintenance audit revealed deficiencies in personnel training, maintenance schedules and records, internal audit practices, tool and store management and fuel storage and handling.
Accordingly, DGCA has initiated enforcement action on Red Bird Flight Training Academy and a show cause notice has been issued for the deficiencies. DGCA has reviewed the corrective actions taken by Red Bird on the findings of the maintenance audit. The review has indicated that the flying training organisation has failed to continuously adhere to the provisions of Aircraft Rules, 1937 and Civil Aviation Requirements in order to ensure proper maintenance of the aircraft for ensuring continued safe operations.”
“Accordingly, recertification of the maintenance organization and continuous airworthiness management of M/s Red Bird Flight Training Academy Pvt. Ltd. is being undertaken afresh by DGCA,” the statement added.