Incidents on loop, but it’s escape for regulator, airlines

Context: The recent incident, on December 5, 2024, involving an Air India Airbus
A320 aircraft at Goa’s Mopa airport is another wake-up call for Indian
aviation. The crew of the Hyderabad-bound aircraft had to reject take off after
entering a parallel taxiway instead of the main runway, this falls under the
category of runway confusion. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA),
the regulatory body that primarily deals with safety issues, as we have seen
during the past 20 years, will blame the pilots, and sweep the report under the
carpet. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s Annex 13 makes
it mandatory for a member-state to investigate accidents, serious incidents and
incidents and identify the cause and take corrective steps to prevent a
recurrence.

Key points

·       Overview: Aviation safety
is a comprehensive system of practices, technologies, and regulations designed
to minimize the risks associated with air travel.

·       International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): Sets global standards for
aviation safety, security, efficiency, and environmental protection. ICAO is a
United Nations (UN) specialized agency, established in 1944, which laid the
foundation for the standards and procedures for peaceful global air navigation.

·       Air
Traffic Control (ATC): Communication - Effective communication
between pilots and air traffic controllers is vital for safe and efficient air
travel.

Surveillance - Advanced radar
and satellite technologies help monitor aircraft movements and prevent
collisions.

·       Maintenance
and Inspections: Routine Maintenance - Regular checks and
scheduled maintenance ensure that aircraft systems are in optimal condition.

Safety
Inspections - Aircraft undergo thorough inspections to identify and rectify potential
issues before they become critical.

·       Emergency
Preparedness: Training - Crew members and ground personnel
are trained for emergencies, including evacuations and first aid.

Emergency
Equipment - Aircrafts are equipped with emergency exits, life vests, rafts, and
other safety gear.

·       Safety
Management Systems (SMS): Risk Management - Airlines and aviation
organizations implement SMS to proactively identify and manage potential risks.

Continuous
Improvement - Regular safety audits and reviews lead to ongoing improvements in safety
protocols.

·       Aviation
safety in India: Aviation safety in India is a critical aspect of
the country’s civil aviation sector, which has witnessed substantial growth in
recent years. The regulatory framework, infrastructure development, and
adherence to international safety standards play key roles in ensuring the
safety of air travel within India.

Ø  Directorate
General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is the
regulatory body responsible for overseeing civil aviation activities, including
safety, licensing, and airworthiness in India.

Ø  In 2023, India’s
aviation safety oversight ranking jumped to 55th position from 112th place,
with a significant improvement in the country’s score under the ICAO’s
coordinated validation mission.

·       Aviation
safety & economic growth: Facilitates Business and Trade - A
safe and efficient aviation network connects regions within a country and
facilitates international trade, enabling the movement of goods and services.

Encourages
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) - A robust aviation safety record enhances a
country’s credibility and attractiveness for foreign investors, encouraging FDI
in various sectors.

·       Conclusion: Aviation safety
is a multifaceted and dynamic endeavour that involves the collaborative efforts
of regulatory bodies, airlines, manufacturers, pilots, air traffic controllers,
and other stakeholders. Continuous advancements in technology, training, and
safety management systems contribute to the overall safety of air travel. The
aviation industry’s commitment to a safety-first culture and the ongoing
application of lessons learned from investigations play a crucial role in
maintaining and improving the lofty standards of aviation safety worldwide.