Strengthening Aviation Safety: A Call for Comprehensive Reform Post-Ahmedabad Crash

MP Milind Deora calls for reforms in India's aviation sector post-Ahmedabad crash, emphasizing pilot well-being. He suggests systemic reviews, mental wellness frameworks, and updated training for crew. Deora urges alignment with global standards and advocates for non-punitive reporting channels to enhance safety and morale.

In the wake of the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash on June 12, Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora has urged the civil aviation ministry to adopt a comprehensive reform of aviation safety standards across India.

In a letter to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Deora emphasized the importance of considering the mental and physical well-being of pilots and cabin crew in any systemic safety review. He suggested that while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will investigate the crash causes, there is an opportunity to enhance the safety standards more broadly.

Deora highlighted the intense pressures faced by aviation professionals, advocating for a review of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) to align with international best practices. He called for the establishment of confidential psychological support systems and the integration of fatigue management training into regular programs. Deora also proposed non-punitive reporting channels for crew concerns, asserting the strategic importance of investing in personnel morale.

(With inputs from agencies.)