skytrotter
21st Oct 2010, 06:42
Here's an article from the Times of India :
Sr AI official in the dock for safety violations
Manju V TNN
Mumbai: Forcing unwell pilots to operate flights, rostering a familial crew for a flight in violation of international anti-hijacking norms, coercing pilots to fly international without a valid passport; these, if the airline’s pilots are to be believed, are some of the air safety and security violations occurring with impunity in Air India in the last three months.
These glaring violations were brought up in a letter by Indian Pilots’ Guild (IPG), the recognized union of about 350 Air India pilots. The October 13 letter titled, “Misuse of official powers and unlawful acts committed by Capt Rohit Bhasin, additional general manager-operations (scheduling in charge),” was sent to a host of top officials including Air India chairman and managing director, Arvind Jadhav, the directorate-general of civil aviation, the regional labour commissioner and the chief vigilance officer.
“When pilots express their inability to operate flights due to illness, Capt Bhasin issues verbal threats warning pilots of a number of consequences they may have to face if they avail of sick leave,’’ says IPG president Jeetendra Awhad in the letter. Flying when unwell is an air safety violation under clause 42-4, part 5 of Indian Aircraft Rules. There have been individual complaints as well against Bhasin who took charge of scheduling about three months ago. Last week, a commander filed a non-cognizable complaint (NC) at Vakola police station. “The complainant was threatened with dire consequences by Bhasin over a petty matter and so he filed an NC,’’ said Anil Kharade, senior police inspector.
Despite complaints from several pilots as well as substantial, in-your-face proof, Air India came out in support of Bhasin and issued a blanket denial of all the allegations. “Captain Bhasin has not intimated any pilot who has reported sick. In Air India, all rules and regulations are followed and no pilot has been penalized for availing of sick leave. The airline does not force any medically unfit pilot to fly,’’ the airline spokesperson said in reply to a TOI questionnaire. Countered an airline source: “The complaint letter against Bhasin was sent
only last week. The airline, without bothering to investigate these serious charges, has denied everything.”
Another allegation was made that Capt Bhasin has been rostering himself with his son on flights frequently. Capt M Ranganathan, an air-safety expert said that the practice violates International Civil Aviation Organisation's Document 8973 and 9811, which lists post 9/11 mandatory security proce dures.
Sr AI official in the dock for safety violations
Manju V TNN
Mumbai: Forcing unwell pilots to operate flights, rostering a familial crew for a flight in violation of international anti-hijacking norms, coercing pilots to fly international without a valid passport; these, if the airline’s pilots are to be believed, are some of the air safety and security violations occurring with impunity in Air India in the last three months.
These glaring violations were brought up in a letter by Indian Pilots’ Guild (IPG), the recognized union of about 350 Air India pilots. The October 13 letter titled, “Misuse of official powers and unlawful acts committed by Capt Rohit Bhasin, additional general manager-operations (scheduling in charge),” was sent to a host of top officials including Air India chairman and managing director, Arvind Jadhav, the directorate-general of civil aviation, the regional labour commissioner and the chief vigilance officer.
“When pilots express their inability to operate flights due to illness, Capt Bhasin issues verbal threats warning pilots of a number of consequences they may have to face if they avail of sick leave,’’ says IPG president Jeetendra Awhad in the letter. Flying when unwell is an air safety violation under clause 42-4, part 5 of Indian Aircraft Rules. There have been individual complaints as well against Bhasin who took charge of scheduling about three months ago. Last week, a commander filed a non-cognizable complaint (NC) at Vakola police station. “The complainant was threatened with dire consequences by Bhasin over a petty matter and so he filed an NC,’’ said Anil Kharade, senior police inspector.
Despite complaints from several pilots as well as substantial, in-your-face proof, Air India came out in support of Bhasin and issued a blanket denial of all the allegations. “Captain Bhasin has not intimated any pilot who has reported sick. In Air India, all rules and regulations are followed and no pilot has been penalized for availing of sick leave. The airline does not force any medically unfit pilot to fly,’’ the airline spokesperson said in reply to a TOI questionnaire. Countered an airline source: “The complaint letter against Bhasin was sent
only last week. The airline, without bothering to investigate these serious charges, has denied everything.”
Another allegation was made that Capt Bhasin has been rostering himself with his son on flights frequently. Capt M Ranganathan, an air-safety expert said that the practice violates International Civil Aviation Organisation's Document 8973 and 9811, which lists post 9/11 mandatory security proce dures.