Aviation safety norms: DGCA revises flight rules for bad weather operations; pilots encouraged to prioritise safety over schedule

Aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has revised its operational tips for each scheduled and non-scheduled operators throughout antagonistic weather situations, explicitly emphasising that safety should take priority over “schedule adherence” and inspiring pilots to provoke diversions or air-turn-backs if required.Issuing an up to date operations round, the DGCA additionally suggested pilots to cross-check visible cues with devices to guarantee correct method and touchdown assessments, notably to counter visible illusions which will happen throughout night time operations in rain or on moist runways, PTI reported.The new tips come within the backdrop of latest weather-related incidents together with helicopter accidents within the Kedarnath area and an IndiGo flight en route to Srinagar encountering extreme turbulence final month.Citing the rising affect of local weather change on operational unpredictability, DGCA suggested flight crew to preserve heightened vigilance, stating clearly that “safety takes precedence over schedule adherence.”“Captains are encouraged to initiate diversions or air-turn-backs, as required by prevailing conditions,” the DGCA stated in a press release issued on Sunday.Also Read | After 15% widebody cuts, Air India scales again narrowbody flights by 5%, suspends 3 extra routes till July 15The round outlines particular situations underneath which flight crew are anticipated to think about diversion, return, or rerouting due to antagonistic weather. These embody extreme turbulence, windshear, icing, obstructive thunderstorms, or sudden deterioration in visibility.Operators and pilots have been suggested to undertake a conservative method and have strong weather avoidance planning in place. “Pilots are encouraged to plan deviations early and maintain a minimum 20 NM (nautical miles) upwind distance from convective activity,” the round said.“Flying beneath thunderstorm clouds is discouraged due to the elevated risk of windshear, lightning, and hail,” it stated, reinforcing the significance of avoiding hazardous situations.The DGCA additionally harassed the significance of pilot weather studies and steady communication throughout antagonistic weather with passengers, cabin crew and Air Traffic Control (ATC). This contains well timed briefings, advance passenger bulletins, and turbulence reporting to ATC to guarantee higher coordination and situational consciousness.For the primary time, the DGCA has addressed the phenomenon of Ice Crystal Icing, related to convective weather methods. “Pilots are advised to navigate around such areas laterally rather than climbing or descending through them in line with global best practices,” the assertion famous.Among different factors, operators have been encouraged to incorporate scenario-based coaching centered on antagonistic weather decision-making and software of Threat and Error Management (TEM) rules.“The revised circular remains applicable to all scheduled and non-scheduled operators, as well as all flight crew operating during the pre-monsoon, monsoon, adverse weather and periods of turbulence,” DGCA stated.