The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended the operations of Redbird Flight Training Academy at all bases following two recent crash-landings involving aircraft from the academy. The DGCA took this action after finding deficiencies at the academy and identified maintenance and operational gaps.
The first incident occurred on October 19, involving a Tecnam P2008JC single-engine aircraft with registration VT-RBC. The aircraft took off with a certified flight instructor on board but experienced an engine-related snag during the initial climb, resulting in a loss of power. The pilot decided to discontinue the sortie and crash-landed near the field’s north end. Importantly, the pilot did not notify or record the snag for necessary action by the maintenance engineer. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and the pilot suffered minor injuries.
The second incident took place on October 22, involving another Tecnam P2008JC (VT-RBT) with two occupants—an instructor and a trainee—conducting general flying training at Baramati. While climbing to a cleared altitude of 2,500 feet, the aircraft experienced a loss of power. The instructor made the decision to discontinue the sortie, leading to a forced landing that resulted in the aircraft overturning. The landing gear, propeller, wings, and fuselage sustained damage.
DGCA’s suspension of Redbird Flight Training Academy’s operations is a response to these incidents and their associated maintenance and operational concerns. The regulator highlighted a gap in these elements and emphasized the importance of addressing them to ensure flight safety.
As part of its response, the DGCA intends to conduct a special maintenance audit and proficiency checks for the academy’s trainers and examiners before permitting it to resume operations. This suspension underscores the DGCA’s commitment to aviation safety and its vigilance in addressing issues that may compromise the well-being of those involved in flight training.
The incidents and subsequent suspension serve as a reminder of the paramount importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards in aviation training. Ensuring the safety of flight operations is critical not only for the individuals involved but also for the overall integrity of the aviation industry. The DGCA’s actions demonstrate its dedication to upholding these standards and its willingness to take swift measures when necessary to protect flight safety.