DGCA takes steps to meet US regulator's safety issues

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has met all but one of the 19 deficiencies pointed out by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in flight safety issues and surveillance to prevent its downgrading by the US aviation regulator.

The FAA, a team of which is expected to visit India in the next few weeks, would carry out a final audit inspection, review and validate the progress DGCA has made on various safety issues connected with flight operations, airworthiness, enforcement and surveillance.

An official spokesperson said the only outstanding deficiency is the one concerned with the amendment of the 1937 Aircraft Rules, for which the Civil Aviation Ministry has sent a draft notification to the Union Law Ministry for approval.

The DGCA is inducting about 600 technical staff to spruce up its safety standards on par with international standards.

A surveillance programme has also been prepared which was being carried out by DGCA officials and inspectors, the spokesperson said.

During its last visit earlier this year, the FAA team had raised the issue of manpower shortage in the DGCA.

The final report of FAA, which is expected once the team visits India next month, would decide whether the Indian aviation regulator manages to retain the premium Category-I slot or is pushed to the second slot.