NEW DELHI: Civil aviation regulator DGCA issued an alert on Monday relating to potential rudder jamming on Boeing 737 plane, after a current investigation by US Nationwide Transportation Security Board highlighted dangers related to Collins Aerospace rudders on these planes.
DGCA directed operators of Boeing 737s with Collins Aerospace SVO-730 rudders to briefly halt low visibility Class III B (CAT 3B) landings.This contains autoland operations, whereas threat assessments are carried out and particular rudder management coaching is offered to pilots.
The advisory applies to each Boeing 737 Subsequent Era (NG) and 737 MAX fashions utilized by Indian carriers reminiscent of Air India Categorical, Akasa, and SpiceJet. The precise variety of plane affected is being decided in collaboration with Boeing. SpiceJet issued a press release, saying: “None of our B737 NG or MAX plane are impacted.”
The US had issued an analogous advisory, prompting India to take precautionary measures. “Contemplating the potential threat of a jammed or restricted rudder management system, DGCA has issued interim security suggestions to all Indian operators of Boeing 737 plane, efficient instantly,” the Indian regulator mentioned. DGCA’s suggestions embody advising flight crews about the opportunity of rudder jamming and guaranteeing they’re ready to deal with such conditions. Operators have been instructed to conduct security threat assessments and incorporate particular rudder management workouts into pilot coaching periods. These workouts will simulate eventualities involving jammed or restricted rudder techniques to make sure flight crews are outfitted to reply appropriately.
Boeing responded to the advisory: “In Aug, we knowledgeable affected 737 operators of a possible situation with the rudder… The autoland system contains layers of redundancy, and we’re working with our provider to develop extra steerage to deal with the potential situation.”
