Aviation safety standards: DGCA Review of flight rules for bad weather operations; Pilots encouraged to prioritize safety above schedule – Times of India

Directorate Aviation Watchdog General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has revised its operational guidelines for both planned and non-planned operators during unfavorable weather conditions, explicitly emphasize that safety must be preceded by “therapy compliance” and to initiate pilots to initiate distractions or air walls.The DGCA issuing an updated operation circle, the DGCA also advised pilots to check visual signals with instruments to guarantee accurate approach and landing reviews, in particular to combat visual illusions that can occur during night operations in rain or on wet landing courts, PTI reported.The new guidelines come in the background of recent weather-related incidents, including helicopter accidents in the Kedarnath region and an Indigo flight on the way to Srinagar that encounters serious turbulence last month.With reference to the growing impact of climate change on operational unpredictability, DGCA advised the cockpit crew to maintain increased vigilance, which clearly states that “safety has priority over compliance with schedule.”“Captains are encouraged to initiate distractions or air backs, as required by prevailing circumstances,” the DGCA said in a statement published on Sunday.Read also | After 15% Widebody reduction, Air India scales the Buind flights back by 5%, 3 routes will suspend until July 15thThe circular outlines specific circumstances, including the cockpit crew is expected to consider distraction, return or over -searched due to disadvantageous weather. These include severe turbulence, windshear, enamel, obstructive thunderstorms or sudden decline in visibility.Operators and pilots are advised to take on a conservative approach and to have a robust planning of weather avoidance. “Pilots are encouraged to plan early abnormalities and to keep a minimum 20 Nm (nautical miles) against the wind of convective activity,” the circle said.“Flying under the clouds of the thunderstorm is discouraged because of the increased risk of wind, lightning and hail,” said it, the importance of avoiding dangerous circumstances.The DGCA also emphasized the importance of pilot weather reports and continuous communication during negative weather with passengers, cabin crew and air traffic control (ATC). This includes timely briefings, announcements of prior passengers and turbulence report to ATC to guarantee better coordination and situational awareness.For the first time, the DGCA has tackled the phenomenon of ice crystals ice formation, associated with convective weather systems. “Pilots are advised to navigate laterally by navigating such areas instead of climbing or descending in accordance with global best practices,” the statement noted.Among other things, operators are encouraged to include on scenario-based training that are aimed at negative weather decision and application of the principles of threat and error management.“The revised circular remains applicable to all planned and non-planned operators, as well as all cockpit crew that is active during the pre-Moesson, Moeson, unfavorable weather and periods of turbulence,” said DGCA.