M.R. SIVARAMAN

1. The Flight Inspection Directorate was established in 1985 based on the recommendations of the tata Committee and Empowered Committee. Government approval for the appointment of nin Flight Inspectors was accorded vide Ministry of Civil Aviation letter No. A-33025/4/84-VE dated 25^th April, 1985 revalidated vide DGCA letter No. A.11011/1/87.E.II(Pt) dated 4^th February, 1991.

2. The Flight Inspectors of the DGCA will carry out the following functions :

1. Conduct a percentage of proficiency checks of pilots and monitor their skill levels in the air and on simulators on a random basis.
2. Ensure continuous surveillance of various operational aspects of the Airlines and other operators.
3. Check that the Aircraft Rules and Regulations on air Safety are complied with.
4. Any other flying checks specially ordered by the DGCA.

 Authority to Fly from RHS/LHS

3. All DGCA Flight Inspectors are cleared to fly aircraft of scheduled/non-scheduled airlines/operators from the RHS/LHS in the course of their duty provided that they qualify as per the criteria laid down by the DGCA Authorities D.O. No. Adv.(Av)/FI/2/91-FID dated 23^rd April, 1991.

3. DGCA Flight Inspectors are to follow the Standard Operating Procedures as approved by the DGCA and followed by the Airlines/Operators. Flight Inspectors are not to deviate from these procedures. If any changes are required, they are to be brought to the notice of the Director of Operations who will process the case through the normal channels.

5. The Director of operations of the respective Airlines/Operators is responsible to draw up the flight schedules as per the requirements of the Airlines. The Flight Inspectors are to liaise directly with him well in advance to enable him to dovetail their requirements into his programme. All checks will be carried out during routine scheduled and non-scheduled flights of the airline.

6. Adequate flying is to be planned for Flight Inspectors in order to enable them to fly with as many pilots as possible.

7. In case a pilot who is programmed for a check with DGCA Flight Inspector does not turn up, he is to be re-programmed as soon as possible. If he does not turn up for the flight a second time, the next flight should be rostered with the DGCA Inspector.

8. The Advisor (Aviation) is to ensure that the Flight Inspectors are programmed so that their currencies are maintained valid at all times. No concessions are to be given to any inspector when operating on scheduled and non-scheduled flights. For renewals/endorsements, etc., of Flight Inspectors, the DGCA will appoint an examiner to conduct the checks.

Flight Inspectors’ Identity Card

9. Flight Inspectors will be issued with Identity Cards issued by the DGCA. This will be the authority for them to board the aircraft and enter the cockpit. Traffic Staff, Security Personnel and Aircrew (Cabin and Cockpit) are to be briefed accordingly by the Airlines.

10. Flight Inspectors will carry out Special Checks or Surprise Checks at short notice on as required basis. In such cases, the Director of Operations is to be informed telephonically prior to the Flight Inspector boarding the aircraft. He will operate from the jump seat and act as an observer only. The responsibility for the flight will continue to be that of the Pilot-in-Command. All pilots are to be briefed clearly on this.

11. The Flight Inspectors are to maintain an up-to-date record of the names of all pilots operating the type of aircraft for which he has been cleared as Flight Inspector. Adequate data is also to be available with them to enable them to plan their inspections.

12. After each check flight, a report is to be made out on a standard form in two copies, one to be forwarded to the Director of Operations and one to be retained by the Directorate of Inspection, DGCA. In addition to this, Flight Inspectors are to de-brief the Director of Operations on the performance of the pilot checked highlight weak areas, which need attention.

13. The Director of Operations is to take action on the report submitted by the Flight Inspector and intimate progress to the DGCA. Flight Inspectors may carry out a re-check of the pilot to confirm that the weak areas he reported have been corrected.

14. If a Flight Inspector finds that the skill levels of a pilot is below the acceptable level minimum, he is to inform the Director of Operations in writing immediately after the flight. The Directorate of Operations is to take necessary action, as he deems fit.

15. In the case of indiscipline, the Directorate of operations is to be informed who is not to roster the pilot until the matter is dealt with by the DGCA and Airlines/Operators concerned.

16. In case a pilot feels that in the judgement of the Flight Inspector is biased against him, he may bring it to the notice of the Director of Operations who may then take the matter up with the Director General of Civil Aviation/Adviser (Aviation) who will then decide on the course of action to be followed.