AirAsia disappearance: Airlines in India must follow ICAO standards

By Captain A Ranganathan

Flying is one of the safest modes of travel, provided that regulator ensures that all airlines and airport operators comply with safety standards. The report of the AF 447 accident should have opened the eyes of airlines worldwide on the importance of understanding flights in the vicinity of thunderstorms, the use of automation and aircraft systems, the experience levels of pilots and most important — training and safety standards.

Modern airliners are very safe, provided the crew is trained, its proficiency checked at regular intervals and the training includes details on dangers of adverse weather operations. Theoretical knowledge does not replace practical experience and this is something airlines should understand.

Unfortunately, in India we give lip service to these and we have complete lack of regulatory oversight. The FAA downgrade is a pointer on how the world sees India’s safety standards. The authorities, airlines and airport operators claim we are among the safest. The reality is that we have been lucky. We have got away with non-compliance of ICAO standards for several years.

From a passenger point of view, the lack of understanding the need to comply with seat belt regulations is a factor. Many injuries during flight is due to the failure to comply with safety instructions. Airlines need to focus more on getting the safety messages across.

(The author is former member of safety committee of DGCA)