India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has requested Air India to provide training records of the pilots and dispatcher involved in the recent aircraft crash that claimed the lives of at least 271 people. The DGCA has also instructed all flying schools to conduct training compliance checks as part of its investigation into the tragic incident.

The DGCA emphasized that these requests are part of a routine regulatory review following the crash and also asked for details of any corrective actions taken by Air India after the watchdog's recent audits. The airline has been asked to submit the required information by Monday.

It remains unclear whether Air India has complied with the directive, as neither the airline nor the DGCA has responded to requests for comment.

Details of the Crash

The fatal crash involved a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London with 242 passengers on board. The aircraft began losing altitude shortly after take-off in Ahmedabad before colliding with nearby buildings. Tragically, all passengers and crew on board perished, with only one passenger surviving, along with approximately 30 individuals on the ground.

The commanding pilot, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who was also an Air India instructor, had 8,200 flying hours of experience. His co-pilot, Clive Kunder, had 1,100 hours of experience. Captain Sabharwal's funeral was held in Mumbai following the crash.

Request for Training Data

The DGCA has specifically requested training details and supporting documents for the pilots and the flight dispatcher involved in the crash. While the memo did not specify the exact nature of the documents required, typical accident investigations focus on a crew's training, qualifications, flight history, medical records, and any prior disciplinary actions.

Dispatchers play a crucial role in airline operations, providing ground-based support for flight planning, weather assessment, and communication with pilots. The DGCA-certified dispatchers are essential for ensuring safe and efficient flight operations.

Next Steps and Safety Measures

Following the tragic incident, Air India's Chairman N Chandrasekaran urged staff to prioritize safety and work towards building a safer airline. The DGCA also issued a separate memo instructing flying schools to adhere strictly to additional safety and operational measures.

Instructors have been directed to ensure compliance with training procedures, maintenance standards, and licensing requirements. They are also required to coordinate flight plans with nearby airports to enhance emergency response capabilities.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes' Stephanie Pope visited Air India's headquarters to discuss the crash, highlighting the importance of collaboration and safety in the aviation industry.

The fatal crash presents a significant challenge for both Air India, which has been undergoing restructuring efforts, and Boeing, which is striving to restore public confidence following recent safety and production issues.

Emergency Preparedness

In addition to the ongoing investigations, government-managed airports have been instructed to conduct a full-scale training exercise on June 30th to enhance emergency response capabilities and preparedness.