The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulator, has taken decisive action following a fatal crash involving a trainee aircraft operated by Alchemist Aviation. The DGCA has suspended Alchemist Aviation’s approval to operate as a Flying Training Organisation (FTO), effectively grounding their training operations.
This decision comes on the heels of a special safety audit conducted by the DGCA on August 23 and 24. The audit uncovered multiple serious deficiencies and violations of regulatory provisions, prompting the DGCA to act swiftly.
The tragic incident occurred on August 20 when the Cessna 152 plane, carrying an instructor and a trainee pilot, lost contact with air traffic controllers near Jamshedpur. A 40-hour search operation ensued, ultimately resulting in the recovery of the victims’ remains.
The DGCA’s suspension of Alchemist Aviation’s FTO license highlights the importance of rigorous safety standards in the aviation industry. The regulator has made it clear that any organization operating as an FTO must adhere to strict regulatory guidelines to ensure the safety of its trainees and the public.
Alchemist Aviation, based at Sonari Airport in Jamshedpur, specializes in aviation services, including local flights. The DGCA’s mandate extends beyond regulating aviation safety to also administering examinations for flight crew and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AME) licenses. These exams and licenses are issued in accordance with the Aircraft Rules 1937, ensuring high standards of competency within the Indian aviation sector.
The DGCA’s suspension of Alchemist Aviation’s FTO license serves as a stark reminder of the critical role that safety plays in the aviation industry. The organization will now be required to undergo a thorough rectification process to address the identified deficiencies and demonstrate compliance with all relevant regulations before it can resume training operations.
