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Time of India

Dgca issues show cause notice to Indigo for using unapproved simulators for pilot training

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo for allegedly using unapproved simulators to train about 1,700 pilots for flight operations to challenging airfields such as Calicut, Leh, and Kathmandu. The DGCA scrutinised simulator training records of IndiGo pilots and found that "Category C (critical) airfield training" for about 1,700 of the airline's pilots was conducted using "non-qualified" simulators, said the show-cause notice issued to IndiGo's Director, Training on August 11. The airline must respond to the notice within 14 days, failing which the DGCA will initiate "ex parte action," the notice said. Category C airfields are those that present unusual challenges during approach to land or departure. They are located in mountainous regions like Leh, Kathmandu, or in the hilly south Malabar region in the case of Calicut. Due to the limitations imposed by the terrain, these airfields often have short, table-top runways and specific wind and atmospheric pressure conditions typical to the high terrain. Pilots operating to such airports undergo specific training to handle the unusual challenges and weather conditions typical to such airports. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Benefits of Trading Bitcoin CFDs IC Markets Learn More Undo The show-cause notice said that the airline conducted training sessions in violation of certain DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) provisions, potentially raising concerns about compliance and operational safety. According to the DGCA, simulator training for critical airfield operations must be conducted on devices specifically approved for those airports. The notice lists 20 simulators at facilities in Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, Greater Noida, Gurugram, and Hyderabad, with remarks such as "not qualified for Calicut" or "not qualified for Calicut and Leh" against each. IndiGo confirmed the receipt of a show-cause notice issued by the DGCA pertaining to simulator training of some of its pilots. "We are in the process of reviewing the same and will respond to the regulator within the stipulated timeline. We remain committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance across our operations," said an IndiGo spokesperson. The DGCA show-cause notice cited breaches of CAR Section-7, Series D, Part VI, Para 35.16(ii) and Operation Circular 15/2014. The said CAR deals with the standards for flight crew training and requires that simulator training must be conducted using approved devices and in accordance with prescribed procedures. Circular 15/2014 outlines the qualifications required of simulators and flight training devices. It provides criteria that the DGCA uses to evaluate and qualify training devices, specifying that these must accurately replicate the aircraft, airport-specific models, and the operating environment to be authorised for pilot training. It mandates processes around updates to airport models; for instance, changes to runways or taxiways must be reflected in simulators within 90 days. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays , public holidays , current gold rate and silver price .