Spicejet Fined With Rs 20 Lakhs By DGCA As Pilot Training Flaws Emerge

Spicejet, one of India’s leading airlines, has been handed a hefty fine of Rs 20 lakh by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The penalty comes in the wake of a three-day inspection conducted by DGCA officials at the airline’s Gurugram office, which uncovered critical deficiencies in pilot training.

The investigation unveiled significant concerns related to SpiceJet’s pilot training and compliance with flight crew training and qualification regulations. One of the orders, delivered by Ravindra Kumar, Director of the Flight Standard Directorate at DGCA, revealed that SpiceJet had been operating flights with pilots who had not met the required training and qualification standards.

The DGCA had initiated the process by sending a show-cause notice to SpiceJet on July 17. However, their response was deemed “unsatisfactory.” Consequently, the regulatory body concluded that the accountable manager of the airline had failed in fulfilling his duties. As a result, SpiceJet has been instructed to pay the substantial fine within 30 days.

Additionally, in a move to hold the airline accountable for these lapses, the Head of Training at SpiceJet has been suspended from duty for a period of three months. This stern action sends a clear message about the gravity of the situation and the need for swift corrective measures.

This development raises questions about the overall state of pilot training within the airline industry. With air travel playing a critical role in modern transportation, it is imperative that all airlines adhere to rigorous training standards to guarantee the safety of passengers and crew. As of now, SpiceJet remains tight-lipped and hasn’t responded to media queries yet.