A pilot of an Air India flight, operating from Dubai to Delhi violated DGCA safety norms by inviting friend inside the cockpit. As per DGCA, the incident occurred on 27 February on flight AI 915.
DGCA said that a probe on the incident is being conducted.
As per DGCA statement, “A pilot of an Air India flight, operating from Dubai to Delhi, allowed a female friend in the cockpit, on February 27, violating DGCA safety norms. Probe being conducted"
As per HindustanTimes report, a cabin crew member made a complaint to the regulator on the incident. In the complaint as reviewed by Hindustan Times, the cabin crew member alleged that the captain wanted the crew to make sure the cockpit appeared welcoming for his female friend. He also asked the crew to get her some pillows from the bunk for her comfort, HT has reported.
The flight crew has been summoned to appear on Friday by DGCA for the first time since March 3, people aware of the matter told HT
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on Friday that it was conducting an inquiry into the matter and would examine the relevant facts. "The act violates aviation regulator DGCA safety norms," a senior DGCA official told ANI, requesting anonymity.
The official said that the pilot had invited his female friend, who was travelling as a passenger on the same flight, to join him in the cockpit shortly after takeoff from Dubai on February 27. The woman remained there for the duration of the flight, which lasted about three hours, according to the official.
The official said that the pilot's actions were not only a breach of security, but also a distraction that could have compromised the safety of the flight and its passengers. The official said that the pilot could face disciplinary action, including suspension or cancellation of his licence, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Air India is yet to comment on the incident.
