Miles Above in Unsafe Hands
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Miles Above in Unsafe Hands
Miles Above in Unsafe Hands
Miles above in unsafe hands - Economy and Politics - livemint.com
Miles above in unsafe hands - Economy and Politics - livemint.com
Take for instance New Delhi-based Garima Passi, 21, who went to a pilot training institute called Sabena Flight Academy in Arizona, US, to get her commercial flying licence in 2008.
Passi was expelled after she damaged an aircraft while on a flight and also had a prop strike—an incident in which the propeller of the aircraft hit the runway.
Jim Fendley, a Sabena instructor who flew with her, commented in a 2008 report that Passi was “inconsistent in almost everything” and recommended that she stop training.
“She is not developing flying skills and is afraid she will damage another airplane or hurt herself,” Fendley said in an email to the institute, reviewed by Mint.
Passi joined Sabena through Gurgaon-based United Aviation Consultants Pvt. Ltd. She displayed a “fear of aircraft”, her evaluation report and log book of flying hours show.
“During the evaluation flight, I observed a young pilot who lacks the confidence of a PIC (pilot in command) and a fear of the aircraft,” her second instructor Eliza Wade said in an evaluation report seeking her termination.
At three hearings, Passi defended herself saying, “I am trying” and “I need one more chance” before she was removed from the academy. Passi came back to India and started training in Uttarakhand-based Amber Aviation (India) Pvt. Ltd from where she passed. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) records show she was granted a commercial pilot’s licence (CPL) within five days of her application on 18 May 2009.
Soon after, she was inducted into low-cost airline SpiceJet Ltd and flies a Boeing 737-800 as a co-pilot. There has been no reported incident involving the pilot during her employment with the airline.
An emailed questionnaire sent to SpiceJet spokeswoman Priti Dey on 21 June did not elicit any response. The airline did not comment despite repeated reminders. The airline’s acting chief executive officer Kishore Gupta said on 27 July that he wasn’t aware of the issue and would revert after inquiring into the matter with a reply by 28 July. He didn’t.
Passi didn’t reply to text messages and calls made to her cellphone. Her father R.S. Passi, director (air safety) at DGCA, said she had to return from the US academy because she hadn’t been keeping good health.
“They said that she had the option to continue in another scheme, but since she was not keeping well, we called her back,” said Passi, who added that his daughter had been selected for the course by Sabena after she went through several tests, including aptitude tests.
He said the pilot wasn’t required to disclose to DGCA the prop strike, which he denied was an accident, while confirming that “something” had taken place. He also denied any conflict of interest in her being employed with SpiceJet, the operations of which he screens in his role with DGCA. and more....
Passi was expelled after she damaged an aircraft while on a flight and also had a prop strike—an incident in which the propeller of the aircraft hit the runway.
Jim Fendley, a Sabena instructor who flew with her, commented in a 2008 report that Passi was “inconsistent in almost everything” and recommended that she stop training.
“She is not developing flying skills and is afraid she will damage another airplane or hurt herself,” Fendley said in an email to the institute, reviewed by Mint.
Passi joined Sabena through Gurgaon-based United Aviation Consultants Pvt. Ltd. She displayed a “fear of aircraft”, her evaluation report and log book of flying hours show.
“During the evaluation flight, I observed a young pilot who lacks the confidence of a PIC (pilot in command) and a fear of the aircraft,” her second instructor Eliza Wade said in an evaluation report seeking her termination.
At three hearings, Passi defended herself saying, “I am trying” and “I need one more chance” before she was removed from the academy. Passi came back to India and started training in Uttarakhand-based Amber Aviation (India) Pvt. Ltd from where she passed. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) records show she was granted a commercial pilot’s licence (CPL) within five days of her application on 18 May 2009.
Soon after, she was inducted into low-cost airline SpiceJet Ltd and flies a Boeing 737-800 as a co-pilot. There has been no reported incident involving the pilot during her employment with the airline.
An emailed questionnaire sent to SpiceJet spokeswoman Priti Dey on 21 June did not elicit any response. The airline did not comment despite repeated reminders. The airline’s acting chief executive officer Kishore Gupta said on 27 July that he wasn’t aware of the issue and would revert after inquiring into the matter with a reply by 28 July. He didn’t.
Passi didn’t reply to text messages and calls made to her cellphone. Her father R.S. Passi, director (air safety) at DGCA, said she had to return from the US academy because she hadn’t been keeping good health.
“They said that she had the option to continue in another scheme, but since she was not keeping well, we called her back,” said Passi, who added that his daughter had been selected for the course by Sabena after she went through several tests, including aptitude tests.
He said the pilot wasn’t required to disclose to DGCA the prop strike, which he denied was an accident, while confirming that “something” had taken place. He also denied any conflict of interest in her being employed with SpiceJet, the operations of which he screens in his role with DGCA. and more....
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Politics , lies , so called contacts , corrupt authorities , greedy airlines , teenagers with pilot licenses --
This is what is left of Indian aviation these days. Corrupt guys get right seat while deserving ones are kicked in the rear.When even an airlines like JET cannot put one line that the resumes for trainee pilots are accepted rather organise a written on the bases of random resumes sent on random dates . There is no reasoning what so ever . Training standards from Canada and Australia are considered same as done from countries like Philippines which deep down we all know stands no chance.
Jimmy i have been following your post and i share your passion and anger towards today's scenario.
This is what is left of Indian aviation these days. Corrupt guys get right seat while deserving ones are kicked in the rear.When even an airlines like JET cannot put one line that the resumes for trainee pilots are accepted rather organise a written on the bases of random resumes sent on random dates . There is no reasoning what so ever . Training standards from Canada and Australia are considered same as done from countries like Philippines which deep down we all know stands no chance.
Jimmy i have been following your post and i share your passion and anger towards today's scenario.
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Well written VIDP29.
If what is written is true, then what will happen the instructors and training departments at Spicejet who checked this this young pilot to line? They should have their licenses as instructors removed at the very least.
Do not blame her (the pilot) for the SYSTEM that allowed this to happen. Trust me...she is but one of MANY.
If what is written is true, then what will happen the instructors and training departments at Spicejet who checked this this young pilot to line? They should have their licenses as instructors removed at the very least.
Do not blame her (the pilot) for the SYSTEM that allowed this to happen. Trust me...she is but one of MANY.
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Jaago Re
The Passis and Spicejet... a case of you scratch my back and I scratch yours; Corruption, pilferage and nepotism have been and continue to be the bane of modern India's culture. You see it wherever you look; aviation, politics or the Games. We need answers to the growing malaise as a country and as a people. Jaago Re... 
Passi is just a drop in the ocean...
Passi is just a drop in the ocean...
Last edited by chopchop7; 14th Aug 2010 at 17:00.
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Lets add some more to that.The new Safety Committee appointee, self nominated , so called safety expert and newspaper contributor is another example of a flawed system.
Capt M.R. is no longer an active airline Captain. In fact he was FIRED
by Spicejet after he took off with a fuel imbalance. When he got airborne he mistook this imbalance for a fuel leak and shut down a perfectly good engine. During the review he stated that he was overloaded and stressed out because he had a trainee on board.
And now this guy is a safety man for the DGCA ? He has an axe to grind with Spicejet and has decided to show up for simulator sessions to harass the crew and instructors, and to prove who is "top dog." This is blatant conflict of interest just as is preferential hiring of sons/daughters of DGCA officials.
Someone needs to print this in the paper--It isn't going to be Manju.
Capt M.R. is no longer an active airline Captain. In fact he was FIRED
by Spicejet after he took off with a fuel imbalance. When he got airborne he mistook this imbalance for a fuel leak and shut down a perfectly good engine. During the review he stated that he was overloaded and stressed out because he had a trainee on board.
And now this guy is a safety man for the DGCA ? He has an axe to grind with Spicejet and has decided to show up for simulator sessions to harass the crew and instructors, and to prove who is "top dog." This is blatant conflict of interest just as is preferential hiring of sons/daughters of DGCA officials.
Someone needs to print this in the paper--It isn't going to be Manju.
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Recently a female student at our FTO was removed from her FI rating course, due to her inability to improve herself during the course. It was probably harsh on her but in the end it was for her own good. I think these things must be spotted early on to stop the rot. She would probably be happier and making more money in a new career.
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@NGFellow
Glad that you pointed out MR is with DGCA, now it explains exactly how the poor journalist got this kind information about Passi, may be MR has scores to settle with RR Passi, and if am not wrong Garima is not exactly a favored star amongst Spice Crew.
Thanks
Glad that you pointed out MR is with DGCA, now it explains exactly how the poor journalist got this kind information about Passi, may be MR has scores to settle with RR Passi, and if am not wrong Garima is not exactly a favored star amongst Spice Crew.
Thanks
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@TopTup
Very true. But it is also worth mentioning that these First Officers are already on their way getting Command on those types. And faster than we can blink, the system is going to be in their hands.
How do I fight them, if I can not even enter the system ?
Do not blame her (the pilot) for the SYSTEM that allowed this to happen. Trust me...she is but one of MANY.
How do I fight them, if I can not even enter the system ?
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Very true. But it is also worth mentioning that these First Officers are already on their way getting Command on those types. And faster than we can blink, the system is going to be in their hands.
How do I fight them, if I can not even enter the system ?
How do I fight them, if I can not even enter the system ?
Further, see the following names on the DGCA records :
Self Query
Aditi H Samant (Daughter of HY Samant CFOI DGCA)
Nandan Sahi (Son of JDG RP Sahi)
Rashmi Sharan (Daughter of A K Sharan, JDG)
Rajiv Pratap Rudy
(BJP Member of Parliament)Garima Passi !! (For those who were arguing with me regarding Spicejet and hiring practices last year, this GARIMA PASSI along with other politically connected Shahrukhans got hired in the PEAK OF THE RECESSION TIME.. backdoor entry of course
)... and many more
They have got their CPLs and ratings issued THE VERY SAME DAY or the day after they applied. I guess scrutiny and checks are not really applicable to these so called "VVIP" kids !!
Last edited by alphabravocharlie1; 15th Aug 2010 at 05:01.
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There are infact a lot of kids from India who have crashed their training airplanes, done a prop srike, landed on taxiways etc and have NOT reported these incidents/accidents to either the FAA or DGCA etc.
Last heard some members of UPWA (Unemployed Pilots Association) were trying to find out who these kids are and submit their names to DGCA and the airlines.
Last heard some members of UPWA (Unemployed Pilots Association) were trying to find out who these kids are and submit their names to DGCA and the airlines.
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Last heard some members of UPWA (Unemployed Pilots Association) were trying to find out who these kids are and submit their names to DGCA and the airlines.
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SilentScream: exactly. Very sad and scary in the extreme isn't it? Yet all too often here the same people chest beat about grandeur and high standards. Why? Because they know no better, refuse to acknowledge that anyone else can or does and are content living a "lucky" (not safe) aviation lifestyle.
And about those kids building toward a command.... They need to get the (pre-approved) Cmdr to sign and stamp each sector of the log book where they flew together and the FO was the PF. Different countries call it P1 U/S, ICUS or Command Practice, etc... This is done to satisfy the ATP hour building requirements. Yet, many unscrupulous and unprofessional Cmdrs sign and stamp anything. Time and time again I saw kids running around with their log books chasing Cmdrs (expats and locals alike) for that stamp and signature, and 90% of the time these guys would do it. So, of the 1500 hrs or so required, I would believe only perhaps a maximum of 1000 hrs ever really may have existed when the FO was PF, let alone ever really making an operational DECISION. And if I were to be realistic, I would state only perhaps 300-500 of those hours would be as PF (P1 U/S, ICUS, Command Practice) due the omniscient arrogance of the Cmdrs to fly ever sector for themselves anyway.
Obviously, for these kids it is a race to get those hours, hence the pressure to lie and cheat that log book at the blessing of the SYSTEM.
No, you can't get into the system. It is protected by egomaniacs defending each and every scam or method of self preservation. The recent AIC 737NG crash bought some of this to light, but that was yesterday's news and appears to be forgotten. Lessons learnt? Never. Scams and corruption exposed? Slightly, but ignored and still flourishing.
So the fate of the traveling public is at ransom to these unmovable and corrupt forces. Again, why you'll never see me or my own on a VT registered aircraft.
And about those kids building toward a command.... They need to get the (pre-approved) Cmdr to sign and stamp each sector of the log book where they flew together and the FO was the PF. Different countries call it P1 U/S, ICUS or Command Practice, etc... This is done to satisfy the ATP hour building requirements. Yet, many unscrupulous and unprofessional Cmdrs sign and stamp anything. Time and time again I saw kids running around with their log books chasing Cmdrs (expats and locals alike) for that stamp and signature, and 90% of the time these guys would do it. So, of the 1500 hrs or so required, I would believe only perhaps a maximum of 1000 hrs ever really may have existed when the FO was PF, let alone ever really making an operational DECISION. And if I were to be realistic, I would state only perhaps 300-500 of those hours would be as PF (P1 U/S, ICUS, Command Practice) due the omniscient arrogance of the Cmdrs to fly ever sector for themselves anyway.
Obviously, for these kids it is a race to get those hours, hence the pressure to lie and cheat that log book at the blessing of the SYSTEM.
No, you can't get into the system. It is protected by egomaniacs defending each and every scam or method of self preservation. The recent AIC 737NG crash bought some of this to light, but that was yesterday's news and appears to be forgotten. Lessons learnt? Never. Scams and corruption exposed? Slightly, but ignored and still flourishing.
So the fate of the traveling public is at ransom to these unmovable and corrupt forces. Again, why you'll never see me or my own on a VT registered aircraft.
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I rarely let the fo's land and it isn't because I am a power hungry, hard a#$! I have had to rescue one too many landings and have come to the conclusion, I have everything to lose and nothing to gain from letting them fly. I don't feel a jet full of 180 passengers on board is a good time to be instructing. The bad thing about this system is it hangs the captains out their and makes it very hard for f/o's to get quality time. Until there is a way for pilots in India to gain skills and quality hours before jumping into a jet, or large turbo prop we are stuck with this.
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drive73.... You're right and I apologise for the broad sweeping statement. The SYSTEM has set you up to fail.
FO's need the experience since heaven knows they do not receive it from the training department(s). The ongoing sim training is a farce. The answers to the knowledge tests are all known.... So you're damned if you do and damned if you don't.
So, what are the likes of you left with? Self preservation by way of career and potential life (extreme case) to give a kid without the minimal flying skills a sector to challenge him/her, let alone nil wind conditions and 4000 m runway. Complain about it? Submit paperwork recommending this/these said FO's go for re-training? Good luck there. You'll more than likely be called in & abused by the heads of training & standards.
I feel sorry for the situation you are in and understand the reasoning. More over, I wish & hope you could get out of it. The most used piece of paper these kids have is their RT license.... and even that should be reviewed since basic RT skills is lost (not just in India).
FO's need the experience since heaven knows they do not receive it from the training department(s). The ongoing sim training is a farce. The answers to the knowledge tests are all known.... So you're damned if you do and damned if you don't.
So, what are the likes of you left with? Self preservation by way of career and potential life (extreme case) to give a kid without the minimal flying skills a sector to challenge him/her, let alone nil wind conditions and 4000 m runway. Complain about it? Submit paperwork recommending this/these said FO's go for re-training? Good luck there. You'll more than likely be called in & abused by the heads of training & standards.
I feel sorry for the situation you are in and understand the reasoning. More over, I wish & hope you could get out of it. The most used piece of paper these kids have is their RT license.... and even that should be reviewed since basic RT skills is lost (not just in India).
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@ DRIVE 43 & TOP TUP .. Partly I accept your statement of letting the FOs land but yet again I know every guy out there aint a bad flyer..
There are the good ones out there too and I dont want them to be paying
the price for the not so good ones..
There are the good ones out there too and I dont want them to be paying
the price for the not so good ones..
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Top,
I don't dislike flying in India, I find 97 percent of the f/o's to be very smart, capable people who will make great captains some day. They usually are very smart and are great support. They lack hands on flying. I wish there was a way they could get this without my liscense, life, and passengers lives on the line. India needs a general aviation environment and until it gets one there will be no way for most Indian pilots to gain experience, except for the right seat of a commercial airline carrying your family and friends. Most airlines in India prevent pilots from thinking beyond SOP's so as long as nothing is way outside the box things work fine. If something real bizarre rises and it falls inside the 3 poor weather months, I might be worried. Fortunatly airplanes today are so reliable and have so much redundency, I wouldn't stop flying Indian airlines yet. I would worry about runway, atc conditions though. All this makes India flying, unlike any other place. I don't have to be here, I actually enjoy it. It keeps me thinking all the time.
I don't dislike flying in India, I find 97 percent of the f/o's to be very smart, capable people who will make great captains some day. They usually are very smart and are great support. They lack hands on flying. I wish there was a way they could get this without my liscense, life, and passengers lives on the line. India needs a general aviation environment and until it gets one there will be no way for most Indian pilots to gain experience, except for the right seat of a commercial airline carrying your family and friends. Most airlines in India prevent pilots from thinking beyond SOP's so as long as nothing is way outside the box things work fine. If something real bizarre rises and it falls inside the 3 poor weather months, I might be worried. Fortunatly airplanes today are so reliable and have so much redundency, I wouldn't stop flying Indian airlines yet. I would worry about runway, atc conditions though. All this makes India flying, unlike any other place. I don't have to be here, I actually enjoy it. It keeps me thinking all the time.
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Drive.... If that is the case then I am sincerely happy for you. Job satisfaction counts for a hell of a lot!! But, the fact that you have little to confidence to hand over control, sector for sector in all wx speaks volumes (in my opinion).
And I know there are some truly gifted pilots about (Air) India. But the statistical facts exposed repeatedly on this forum & the media show these professionals to be in the minority.
So if I book a seat on a VT reg aircraft am I more likely to be served by a competent & highly professional crew void of corrupted training & standards, or the opposite; statistically speaking?
I am in communication regularly with 2 "up and comers" from India. Their professional approach to study & their vocation is an inspiration. Sadly these kids will need (& appear to have) the fortitude to rise above the mess.
So no, not all is lost. But the overall scene is by far not anywhere near conducive to being called safe & professional.
And I know there are some truly gifted pilots about (Air) India. But the statistical facts exposed repeatedly on this forum & the media show these professionals to be in the minority.
So if I book a seat on a VT reg aircraft am I more likely to be served by a competent & highly professional crew void of corrupted training & standards, or the opposite; statistically speaking?
I am in communication regularly with 2 "up and comers" from India. Their professional approach to study & their vocation is an inspiration. Sadly these kids will need (& appear to have) the fortitude to rise above the mess.
So no, not all is lost. But the overall scene is by far not anywhere near conducive to being called safe & professional.
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<P>i just wanted to add to the list.....</P>
<P> </P>
<P>from DGCA website:</P>
<P> </P>
<P>Abhishiek Jimmy Massey - (Spicejet)</P>
<P> &nb sp; &</P>
<P>Jasmine Massey - (Kingfisher)</P>
<P> </P>
<P>Son and daughter of......</P>
<P> </P>
<P>Shri VP Massey - Director, Central Examination Organisation, DGCA</P>
<P> </P>
<P>from DGCA website:</P>
<P> </P>
<P>Abhishiek Jimmy Massey - (Spicejet)</P>
<P> &nb sp; &</P>
<P>Jasmine Massey - (Kingfisher)</P>
<P> </P>
<P>Son and daughter of......</P>
<P> </P>
<P>Shri VP Massey - Director, Central Examination Organisation, DGCA</P>
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name and shame not always correct
Guys
I do not agree with the theory that a son/daughter of a high up govt. official employed with any of the airlines is unsafe just because of who he/she is. We cannot generalize like this and naming them like this without concrete proof of corruption/safety hazards just gives a sense of opportunism by a few.
Should a son/daughter of a DGCA/CAviation head give up flying just to please the others , I say please print the stories you have found regarding corruption practises but naming people and their relatives reeks of a witch-hunt,taliban style judgement...
I do not agree with the theory that a son/daughter of a high up govt. official employed with any of the airlines is unsafe just because of who he/she is. We cannot generalize like this and naming them like this without concrete proof of corruption/safety hazards just gives a sense of opportunism by a few.
Should a son/daughter of a DGCA/CAviation head give up flying just to please the others , I say please print the stories you have found regarding corruption practises but naming people and their relatives reeks of a witch-hunt,taliban style judgement...