Jet Airways Faces Tough Time After DGCA Grounds Its Pilots

Loss-making Jet Airways is facing shortage of pilots after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) grounded more than hundred of its pilots since they didn’t meet the license requirement. This shortage had resulted into a delay in more than 150 flights on Sunday and Monday.

The DGCA recently issued show cause notices to 131 pilots at Jet for lapsed proficiency check certificates. These are issued after pilots undergo two test flights on simulators every year.

It is important to note, this isn't the only instance of incomplete documentation. Recently, Jet Airways discovered that three of its pilots were flying without valid annual line check certificates. For those who are wondering what line check certification is? It’s a process wherein a trainer monitors pilot's flying skills by sitting in the cockpit through a flight. The main reason behind this is to ensure that all defined norms are followed in letter and spirit.

Notably, the Jet management had offered the JetLite pilots an option to join the parent brand. However, the airline clarified that these pilots would be put at the bottom of the seniority pile and may be moved to any location in the country. Most JetLite pilots are unhappy with the management’s offer and have rejected this deal. Reports suggest that these pilots have also formed a union and plan to file a case against the airline.

If we believe the reports, JetLite pilots have written an email to the Jet CEO Cramer Ball earlier this week stating our plans to protest. The report further reveals that by the end of the week, the pilots will fly with black badges and start a ‘work-to-rule’ system. If this system gets implemented, Jet pilots will strictly follow DGCA rules and will not fly in case the aircraft gets delayed on any count.
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