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Business Standard
9 hours ago
- Climate
- Business Standard
DGCA revises guidelines for flight operations in adverse weather conditions
Aviation watchdog DGCA has revised its operational guidelines for operators during adverse weather conditions, emphasising that safety should take precedence over "schedule adherence" and encouraged pilots to divert flights in unpredictable conditions. Issuing an updated operations circular to scheduled and non-scheduled operators, the regulator also said pilots should cross-check visual cues with instruments to ensure accurate approach and landing assessments to deal with visual illusions that may occur during night operations in rain or on wet runways. The circular also comes against the backdrop of recent helicopter accidents in Kedarnath region and an IndiGo flight enroute to Srinagar encountering severe turbulence last month. Citing the growing impact of climate change on operational unpredictability, DGCA has advised flight crew to maintain heightened vigilance, "with an emphasis on safety taking precedence over schedule adherence". "Captains are encouraged to initiate diversions or air-turn-backs, as required by prevailing conditions," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement on Sunday. The circular outlines conditions under which flight crew are expected to consider diversion, return, or rerouting due to adverse weather, including severe turbulence, windshear, icing, obstructive thunderstorms, or sudden visibility deterioration. Further, operators and pilots have been advised to adopt a conservative approach to decision-making as well as have weather avoidance planning in place. "Pilots are encouraged to plan deviations early and maintain a minimum 20 NM (Nautical Miles) upwind distance from convective activity. "Flying beneath thunderstorm clouds is discouraged due to the elevated risk of windshear, lightning, and hail," the statement said. The regulator stressed the importance of pilot weather reports as well as on communicating with passengers, cabin crew and Air Traffic Control (ATC) during adverse weather conditions and turbulence. "This includes timely briefings, advance passenger announcements, and turbulence reporting to ATC to support better coordination and situational awareness," the statement noted. For the first time, DGCA said it has sought to address the issue of Ice Crystal Icing, a phenomenon associated with convective weather systems. "Pilots are advised to navigate around such areas laterally rather than climbing or descending through them in line with global best practices," the statement said. Among other aspects, operators have been encouraged to incorporate scenario-based training focused on adverse weather decision-making and the application of Threat and Error Management (TEM) principles. "The revised circular remains applicable to all scheduled and non-scheduled operators, as well as all flight crew operating during the pre-monsoon, monsoon, adverse weather and periods of turbulence," DGCA said.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Aviation safety norms: DGCA revises flight rules for bad weather operations; pilots encouraged to prioritise safety over schedule
Aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has revised its operational guidelines for both scheduled and non-scheduled operators during adverse weather conditions, explicitly emphasising that safety must take precedence over 'schedule adherence' and encouraging pilots to initiate diversions or air-turn-backs if required. Issuing an updated operations circular, the DGCA also advised pilots to cross-check visual cues with instruments to ensure accurate approach and landing assessments, particularly to counter visual illusions that may occur during night operations in rain or on wet runways, PTI reported. The new guidelines come in the backdrop of recent weather-related incidents including helicopter accidents in the Kedarnath region and an IndiGo flight en route to Srinagar encountering severe turbulence last month. Citing the growing impact of climate change on operational unpredictability, DGCA advised flight crew to maintain heightened vigilance, stating clearly that 'safety takes precedence over schedule adherence.' 'Captains are encouraged to initiate diversions or air-turn-backs, as required by prevailing conditions,' the DGCA said in a statement issued on Sunday. The circular outlines specific conditions under which flight crew are expected to consider diversion, return, or rerouting due to adverse weather. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What She Did Mid-Air Left Passengers Speechless medalmerit Learn More Undo These include severe turbulence, windshear, icing, obstructive thunderstorms, or sudden deterioration in visibility. Operators and pilots have been advised to adopt a conservative approach and have robust weather avoidance planning in place. 'Pilots are encouraged to plan deviations early and maintain a minimum 20 NM (nautical miles) upwind distance from convective activity,' the circular stated. 'Flying beneath thunderstorm clouds is discouraged due to the elevated risk of windshear, lightning, and hail,' it said, reinforcing the importance of avoiding hazardous conditions. The DGCA also stressed the importance of pilot weather reports and continuous communication during adverse weather with passengers, cabin crew and Air Traffic Control (ATC). This includes timely briefings, advance passenger announcements, and turbulence reporting to ATC to ensure better coordination and situational awareness. For the first time, the DGCA has addressed the phenomenon of Ice Crystal Icing, associated with convective weather systems. 'Pilots are advised to navigate around such areas laterally rather than climbing or descending through them in line with global best practices,' the statement noted. Among other points, operators have been encouraged to incorporate scenario-based training focused on adverse weather decision-making and application of Threat and Error Management (TEM) principles. 'The revised circular remains applicable to all scheduled and non-scheduled operators, as well as all flight crew operating during the pre-monsoon, monsoon, adverse weather and periods of turbulence,' DGCA said. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Climate
- Time of India
DGCA revises guidelines for flight operations in adverse weather conditions
Aviation watchdog DGCA has revised its operational guidelines for operators during adverse weather conditions, emphasising that safety should take precedence over "schedule adherence" and encouraged pilots to divert flights in unpredictable conditions. Issuing an updated operations circular to scheduled and non-scheduled operators, the regulator also said pilots should cross-check visual cues with instruments to ensure accurate approach and landing assessments to deal with visual illusions that may occur during night operations in rain or on wet runways. The circular also comes against the backdrop of recent helicopter accidents in Kedarnath region and an IndiGo flight enroute to Srinagar encountering severe turbulence last month. Citing the growing impact of climate change on operational unpredictability, DGCA has advised flight crew to maintain heightened vigilance, "with an emphasis on safety taking precedence over schedule adherence". "Captains are encouraged to initiate diversions or air-turn-backs, as required by prevailing conditions," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement on Sunday. Live Events The circular outlines conditions under which flight crew are expected to consider diversion, return, or rerouting due to adverse weather, including severe turbulence, windshear, icing, obstructive thunderstorms, or sudden visibility deterioration. Further, operators and pilots have been advised to adopt a conservative approach to decision-making as well as have weather avoidance planning in place. "Pilots are encouraged to plan deviations early and maintain a minimum 20 NM (Nautical Miles) upwind distance from convective activity. "Flying beneath thunderstorm clouds is discouraged due to the elevated risk of windshear, lightning, and hail," the statement said. The regulator stressed the importance of pilot weather reports as well as on communicating with passengers, cabin crew and Air Traffic Control (ATC) during adverse weather conditions and turbulence. "This includes timely briefings, advance passenger announcements, and turbulence reporting to ATC to support better coordination and situational awareness," the statement noted. For the first time, DGCA said it has sought to address the issue of Ice Crystal Icing, a phenomenon associated with convective weather systems. "Pilots are advised to navigate around such areas laterally rather than climbing or descending through them in line with global best practices," the statement said. Among other aspects, operators have been encouraged to incorporate scenario-based training focused on adverse weather decision-making and the application of Threat and Error Management (TEM) principles. "The revised circular remains applicable to all scheduled and non-scheduled operators, as well as all flight crew operating during the pre-monsoon, monsoon, adverse weather and periods of turbulence," DGCA said. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Mint
11 hours ago
- Climate
- Mint
DGCA revises guidelines for flight operations in adverse weather conditions
New Delhi, Jun 22 (PTI) Aviation watchdog DGCA has revised its operational guidelines for operators during adverse weather conditions, emphasising that safety should take precedence over "schedule adherence" and encouraged pilots to divert flights in unpredictable conditions. Issuing an updated operations circular to scheduled and non-scheduled operators, the regulator also said pilots should cross-check visual cues with instruments to ensure accurate approach and landing assessments to deal with visual illusions that may occur during night operations in rain or on wet runways. The circular also comes against the backdrop of recent helicopter accidents in Kedarnath region and an IndiGo flight enroute to Srinagar encountering severe turbulence last month. Citing the growing impact of climate change on operational unpredictability, DGCA has advised flight crew to maintain heightened vigilance, "with an emphasis on safety taking precedence over schedule adherence". "Captains are encouraged to initiate diversions or air-turn-backs, as required by prevailing conditions," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement on Sunday. The circular outlines conditions under which flight crew are expected to consider diversion, return, or rerouting due to adverse weather, including severe turbulence, windshear, icing, obstructive thunderstorms, or sudden visibility deterioration. Further, operators and pilots have been advised to adopt a conservative approach to decision-making as well as have weather avoidance planning in place. "Pilots are encouraged to plan deviations early and maintain a minimum 20 NM (Nautical Miles) upwind distance from convective activity. "Flying beneath thunderstorm clouds is discouraged due to the elevated risk of windshear, lightning, and hail," the statement said. The regulator stressed the importance of pilot weather reports as well as on communicating with passengers, cabin crew and Air Traffic Control (ATC) during adverse weather conditions and turbulence. "This includes timely briefings, advance passenger announcements, and turbulence reporting to ATC to support better coordination and situational awareness," the statement noted. For the first time, DGCA said it has sought to address the issue of Ice Crystal Icing, a phenomenon associated with convective weather systems. "Pilots are advised to navigate around such areas laterally rather than climbing or descending through them in line with global best practices," the statement said. Among other aspects, operators have been encouraged to incorporate scenario-based training focused on adverse weather decision-making and the application of Threat and Error Management (TEM) principles. "The revised circular remains applicable to all scheduled and non-scheduled operators, as well as all flight crew operating during the pre-monsoon, monsoon, adverse weather and periods of turbulence," DGCA said.
Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Another 'Mayday' episode causes more jitters in Indian aviation
A Guwahati-to-Chennai IndiGo flight carrying 168 passengers had to make an emergency landing at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru on Thursday night, news agencies reported on June 21 citing sources. The forced landing came after the captain issued a 'Mayday' distress signal, citing critically low fuel levels, the sources reportedly informed. The details of the incident remain unclear as the airline has reportedly not given any confirmation on the same yet. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo According to a Times of India report, IndiGo's flight 6E-6764, operated by an Airbus A321 that departed Guwahati at 4:40 p.m., tried to land in Chennai at approximately 7:45 p.m. However, after the aircraft's landing gear made contact with the runway, the pilot initiated a maneuver known as a 'balked landing' or go-around. A source with direct knowledge of the situation told ToI that the Mayday call was transmitted when the aircraft was roughly 35 nautical miles away from Bengaluru. Live Events According to the source, the approach to Chennai seemed improperly stabilised. The sharp and abrupt ascent after the aborted landing startled many on board; several passengers appeared fearful, one traveler who preferred to remain unnamed told the newspaper. Staff at airport operations and air traffic control (ATC) verified that no further attempt was made to land in Chennai. Instead, the pilot diverted the aircraft toward Bengaluru. KIA officials stated that the distress signal prompted immediate action by the ATC, who coordinated with ground services. Firefighters and medical teams were readied in anticipation of the aircraft's arrival. The plane touched down safely at Bengaluru at 8:20 p.m. One insider mentioned that both pilots were subsequently removed from active duty, though IndiGo declined to officially comment on the matter. The airline attributed the diversion to air traffic congestion at Chennai Airport — a reason that ATC officials in Chennai reportedly rubbished. Sources suggested the aircraft may not have been carrying the required minimum amount of diversion fuel after the go-around, ToI's report said. IndiGo neither confirmed nor denied that a Mayday transmission had been made by the flight crew. Once on the ground in Bengaluru, the passengers were informed that the plane would proceed to Chennai post-refueling. A fresh crew was assigned to operate the subsequent leg, which arrived in Chennai at 11:25 p.m. Air operations in India are currently in the eye of a storm following the deadly Ahmedabad Air India crash , with all kinds of aviation-related matters being followed closely.
