DGCA asks airlines to train crew for all-weather operations

In order to make flying safer, particularly during rough weather, the aviation regulator has asked all the airlines and aircraft operators to formulate and conduct all-weather operations (AWO) training programmes for its crew members.

Once implemented, fliers in the country may feel a bit safer, especially in backdrop of the downgrading of country's aviation sector by the US Federal Aviation Administration in view of poor safety records.

"It is the responsibility of the operator to formulate a comprehensive training programme for all-weather operations depending upon the flight crew experience, aeroplane capability and aerodrome facilities," reads a circular by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

This communication will provide guidance to operators for compliance with the requirement of an AWO training programme, a DGCA official said.

DGCA sources said that the development assumes significance due to the fact that an increasing number of flights are getting disrupted due to poor visibility in hostile weather conditions such as heavy rains and dense fog.

In January, the aviation regulator had taken a strong view of domestic airlines not operating their aircraft with crew trained to land in low visibility conditions and cancelled six domestic flights operating from Delhi.

The circular also recommends the AWO training programme on simulators for initial and recurrent training and in-flight training on a particular aeroplane type for all crew members. "Simulation techniques are a valuable training aid for limited visibility operations," adds the circular.