New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show-cause notice to senior Air India officials, including CEO Campbell Wilson, for alleged lapses in reporting an incident where a pilot allegedly allowed a friend inside the cockpit during a flight, ThePrint has learnt.
Violating safety norms, an Air India pilot operating a Dubai-New Delhi flight had allegedly allowed a female friend into the cockpit on 27 February. A complaint on the incident was filed by a cabin crew member.
An official source told ThePrint that a show-cause notice was issued to the airline CEO as well as its Head of Safety, Security and Quality, Henry Donohoe, on 21 April. The airline officials have 15 days to reply to the notice.
ThePrint reached airline officials for a comment via WhatsApp. This report will be updated once they respond.
Earlier this month – almost two months after the incident – the DGCA had directed Air India to deroster the entire crew of the Dubai-Delhi flight until the investigation is completed.
In September 2019, the aviation regulator had issued an order restricting the entry of people in the cockpit.
“…for the purpose of securing the safety of aircraft operations hereby directs that no person shall enter the cockpit and occupy the jump seat, wherever provided in an aircraft registered in India during the flight time,” it said.
Exception could be made for a crew member, an officer of the Civil Aviation Department or India Meteorological Department…or an officer in the Ministry of Civil Aviation of the rank of Joint Secretary and above, “who by virtue of his/her functions may enter the cockpit for inspection”, it said.
Additionally, an employee of the aircraft operator, officials of the airline, authorised representative of the manufacturer of the aircraft or a person authorised by the DGCA, may enter the cockpit subject to certain terms, it said.
(Edited by Smriti Sinha)