Wednesday saw the release of a new circular from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) informing Flying Training Organizations (FTOs) to increase surveillance by adding CCTV cameras and other monitoring tools to keep track of the training activities. The aviation regulator advised doing it in 90 days.
The order’s goal is to increase the DGCA’s oversight of the flying training and ground training programmes offered by training organisations in order to raise both operational safety and training quality.Different regulated and uncontrolled airfields are where FTOs are based.
The order states that the DGCA inspects, monitors, and audits these flying training organisations in accordance with Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR).The ruling further said that the increased surveillance will aid instructors in evaluating student pilots’ performance and DGCA investigations.
As of the end of August this year, there were 35 FTOs.The circular further recommended that the Directorate of Flying Training (DFT) of the DGCA supervise the exams for the Student Pilot License (SPL) and Flight Radio Telephony Operators License (FRTOL) (R) live.
The installation of high-definition cameras will guarantee proper vision of flying training activities. The circular further states that it should include a view of the apron, hangar, runway and taxiway, classrooms, exam rooms, and locations where flights are listed as approved in the flight authorization record.
The regulator mandated that FTOs operating aircraft without a glass cockpit or ADS-B develop a means within 90 days for recording and monitoring the flights to verify that the flight path taken by their student pilots and instructors complies with the flight authorisation.
According to the report, FTOs should carry or install technology that automatically captures at least some data, including the height and speed of the aircraft at all times, the flight path taken, and engine start/stop time (if possible).
During flying operations, FTOs must make sure that surveillance cameras are operational, and the video feed must be visible in the CFI, Deputy CFI, and flying instructor rooms.
“The FTO shall ensure that the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast ADS (B), the Glass Cockpit Recorder, or any other monitoring device is operational during flying activities. If the cameras, ADS (B), or any other monitoring device is not working, FTO must notify DFT by email right away and take steps to have it up and running within 15 days, according to the circular.
According to the DGCA, flight data for all devices should be retained for at least 6 months and camera recordings for at least 30 days.
