FAA Puts Indian Aviation Under Scanner For Safety And Regulatory Reasons

The continuing turmoil in the Indian aviation industry has had its impact internationally. This impact is no longer confined to the numerous problems faced by the customers but has taken a far more serious turn with the safety of airplane and people becoming a major concern. FAA of USA, the top agency which audits the safety parameters of airlines worldwide and rates them on the basis of safety has put the Indian aviation on notice by seeking to downgrade the rating of the country to Category II level. Arguably, the reason for this measure lies in the weak institution of the top regulator, DGCA.

Safety and security of the aircraft and the passengers is the first and foremost priority for any airline. Whatever is the business model of the airlines, whether it offers cheap air tickets as LCC or not, no compromises are made on the safety related aspects of airline. The airworthiness of airplanes is maintained and expenses to that effect are never cut since it would figure in the audit and is not likely to be seen in good light. All the repair and maintenance operations are done on schedule and as per the defined scope. However, if the airline is facing continued financial problems then there might be tendency to skip these operations. This puts question mark over the safety of airline for its airworthiness. For this reason, the airline facing financial issues are put under scanner and more detailed checks on airworthiness of aircraft as performed.

All these concerns are to be taken care of by the regulatory body and this is possible when this authority is strengthened. FAA views the institution of DGCA as not completely free to function independently and capable of taking decisions which put safety and security of airlines on top priority.

A downgrade is likely to reduce the air ticket booking on domestic airlines since the passengers will lose the confidence of flying safely. Though its impact is not likely to be far reaching in domestic sector, it will certainly hit the international credibility of Indian aviation.