New Delhi: An Air India co-pilot is in the dock after her senior captain complained that she used her mobile in the cockpit. Since this complaint came just days after the co-pilot had operated a flight without signing her pre-flight medical check (PFMC), the airline has taken these charges seriously and grounded her. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is also examining her case.
"About a fortnight back, the co-pilot operated a flight without signing her PFMC which is conducted to ensure that pilots are not inebriated. Under new DGCA rules, not signing this form means that the pilot has failed the breath analyzer test. She signed the PFMC after having operated the flight," said a senior official.
On top of this, a senior captain complained to the airline that that the co-pilot used her mobile phone in the cockpit. Pilots are also supposed to switch off their mobiles when the cabin crew makes the public announcement for doing so. "Talking or using on mobiles after this announcement is not allowed for anyone. The charge of remaining on the phone while taxing the aircraft and preparing it to land is a serious one, if found true," said an official.
On the basis of these two complaints, AI has grounded the woman co-pilot, said a senior official. Her case has also been referred to the DGCA.
22/04/14 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India
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"About a fortnight back, the co-pilot operated a flight without signing her PFMC which is conducted to ensure that pilots are not inebriated. Under new DGCA rules, not signing this form means that the pilot has failed the breath analyzer test. She signed the PFMC after having operated the flight," said a senior official.
On top of this, a senior captain complained to the airline that that the co-pilot used her mobile phone in the cockpit. Pilots are also supposed to switch off their mobiles when the cabin crew makes the public announcement for doing so. "Talking or using on mobiles after this announcement is not allowed for anyone. The charge of remaining on the phone while taxing the aircraft and preparing it to land is a serious one, if found true," said an official.
On the basis of these two complaints, AI has grounded the woman co-pilot, said a senior official. Her case has also been referred to the DGCA.
22/04/14 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India
