DGCA suspends Akasa Air's directors of training, flight ops over lapses

The regulator said an audit found that navigation skills of pilots were being conducted on simulators that weren't qualified for that kind of training

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday suspended two senior Akasa Air executives —Director of Training Niraj Bhatia and Director of Flight Operations Floyd Gracious — for six months over pilot training lapses, Business Standard has learnt.

 

In two separate orders, the regulator said it conducted an audit on October 7 and found that "RNP training (approaches)" of pilots were being conducted on simulators that have not been qualified for the same. RNP (Required Navigation Performance) training teaches pilots to operate aircraft in airspace requiring precise navigation, typically using satellite-based systems like GPS. 

 

The DGCA said that Bhatia and Gracious have failed to train personnel adequately.

 

 

"Also, repeated lapses/violations have been found pertaining to training," it said.

 

“The regulator ordered the suspension of both the executives for a period of six months,” it added.

 

Akasa Air Spokesperson told Business Standard, "Akasa Air is in receipt of an order from the DGCA dated 27th December 2024. We will continue to work with the DGCA and comply accordingly. Safety is of utmost importance, and we continuously strive to pursue the highest standards of safety."

 

Earlier this month, the DGCA fined Akasa Air Rs 10 lakh for denying boarding to seven passengers on its Bengaluru-Pune flight on September 6 and failing to provide the mandatory compensation.