DGCA Probe Halts Vistara Pilot Training Over Alleged Rule Violations

Training for approximately 30 Vistara pilots slated to operate Boeing 787 aircraft has been placed on hold following allegations of rule violations by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The pilots, initially trained on Airbus A320 aircraft, were undergoing conversion training to transition to Boeing 787 planes, according to a media report.

According to the report, the DGCA has raised concerns regarding a procedure known as Zero Flight Time Training (ZFTT) and the adherence to prescribed training timelines. Specifically, the DGCA highlighted instances where pilots failed to complete required training within the stipulated 45-day period following a skill test.

Experienced pilots with over 500 hours of flying experience are permitted to conduct training in a simulator. However, an audit revealed that several Vistara pilots had not completed this simulator training within the designated timeframe, prompting the DGCA's scrutiny.

As a consequence of the show-cause notice issued by the DGCA, the next stage of training, Supervised Line Flying (SLF), has been halted. This development not only disrupts the training schedule but also impacts the airline's operations, resulting in the cancellation of more than 100 flights over recent days.

Vistara had previously incurred a fine of Rs 10 lakh from the DGCA in 2022 for similar violations, indicating a recurring pattern of non-compliance with training regulations.

Addressing the operational challenges faced by the airline, Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan acknowledged the high utilisation of pilots and the resultant disruptions. He said the airline is hiring more pilots and implementing measures to optimise operations and enhance resilience in the face of challenges.