Following a surge in aviation incidents, the DGCA has announced stringent safety measures for non-scheduled operators (NSOPs). The move comes after a review of accident data revealed lapses in SOP adherence, flight planning, and training. Recent crashes, including a Red Bird Airways air ambulance in Jharkhand and a VSR Ventures aircraft in Maharashtra, highlighted the risks.
The regulator stressed that pilot decisions on diverting, delaying, or cancelling flights for safety must be respected, prioritising safety over commercial interests. NSOPs will now publicly disclose aircraft age, maintenance history, and pilot experience. A safety ranking system, intensified audits, CVR checks, and monitoring of older aircraft will be introduced. Senior management will be held accountable for violations, with penalties including licence suspensions and operator sanctions. Phase-1 audits are nearly complete, with Phase-2 and a safety workshop planned for March.
