Latest news with #FaizAhmed
New Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
DGCA seeks ministry's approval to allow students without science background to become pilots
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has decided to relax the eligibility criterion for obtaining a Commercial Pilot Licence. Class XII students who have not studied science are now eligible to get trained and apply for Commercial Pilot Licence. At present, only those with an educational background in science are allowed to opt for it. Speaking to this reporter, the Director General of DGCA, Faiz Ahmed, said, "This is the norm worldover that students of all educational backgrounds can become a pilot. We have submitted a proposal in this connection in April to the Civil Aviation Ministry. It is upto them to take a final call on the matter." Asked about the reason which prompted this relaxation, the Director General said, "Students who opt to study a professional flying course need to clear 5 to 6 papers. The training is quite technical and it is rigorous and tests them on a continuous basis." Presently, there is much Instrumentation and huge scientific advances which makes it quite easy for everyone to operate an aircraft, he added. Ministry sources confirmed that DGCA had sent a proposal to it. "No decision has been taken as of today on it," a source said.
New Indian Express
22-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
IndiGo asked to submit report on hailstorm incident that damaged aircraft during Delhi-Srinagar flight
NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday asked IndiGo Airlines to submit a report on the hailstorm incident involving the Delhi-Srinagar flight 6E 2142 on Wednesday evening. The 227 passengers on board had a narrow escape after the flight encountered the hailstorm midway. When asked if any probe has been ordered into the incident, the Director of DGCA, Faiz Ahmed, told this reporter, 'We have asked IndiGo to submit a report on the incident. A decision on ordering an inquiry will be taken after finding out what the airline has to say about it.' The incident had traumatized the passengers, many of whom felt they would not survive the nightmare that they endured with the flight moving up and down and lightning all around them. Former pilots and aviation safety experts refused to accept that the pilots did something remarkable in saving the lives of the passengers in an emergency. The common view was that there was no need to have got entangled in such a situation first. Captain C S Randhawa, President of the Federation of Indian Pilots, told this reporter, 'The weather in an approaching area is picked up very much in advance by two weather radars which are superimposed on the navigation display. There is a red area which is displayed to caution the cockpit crew. It can never happen that both radars fail simultaneously. This gives the pilot a chance to divert the flight well in advance in order to avoid something in the route by connecting with the ATC and taking their guidance too.' The pilot can opt for a diversion at 80 miles or even 60 miles before the spot where there is an issue, he added.
Express Tribune
24-02-2025
- Express Tribune
Bus escapes crash as driver suffers heart attack
An accident was averted when a Speedo Bus veered off the road after its driver suffered a heart attack on Monday. The bus, en route from Lodhran to Bahawalpur, lost control and crashed into a WAPDA pole before coming to a halt in nearby fields. All passengers remained unharmed. The driver, Faiz Ahmed, a resident of Basti Kaneer Gilley Wala, suddenly suffered a heart attack while driving. As a result, the bus, carrying around 40 to 50 passengers, went off the road. Local residents rushed to the scene and transported the unconscious driver to DHQ Hospital, Lodhran, for emergency treatment. Meanwhile, all passengers on board remained safe, escaping the incident without any injuries. Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner Iram Shehzadi led an operation against illegal encroachments along Bahawalpur-Multan Road. Accompanied by municipal committee staff, she oversaw the removal of unauthorized structures and sealed multiple shops, including bakeries and medical stores, for violating regulations. Speaking on the occasion, Assistant Commissioner Iram Shehzadi stated that the Punjab government is committed to swiftly eliminating illegal encroachments across the district. She emphasized that actions are being taken indiscriminately against all violators. "We had issued prior notices instructing shopkeepers not to place goods outside their shops, but they continued to do so, even placing generators and food stalls on public pathways. Therefore, strict action was necessary," she explained. Following the Punjab government's directives, all illegal encroachments in main markets and major roads will be cleared. The Assistant Commissioner further warned that those continuing to violate regulations will face heavy fines. In response to the crackdown, local traders staged a protest, shutting down their shops in defiance of the administration's actions. However, after negotiations with Lodhran deputy commissioner, the sealed shops were reopened upon payment of fines amounting to Rs30,000 per shop.
