Pilots' body demands suspension of senior AI pilot

The Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) has demanded that Subodh Nigam, one of AI’s senior-most pilot's, be suspended with "immediate effect".

The Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) has demanded that Subodh Nigam, one of AI’s senior-most pilot's, be suspended with "immediate effect".

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ICPA is the biggest association of AI pilots and with around 800 pilots as members. "As per media reports, Nigam has flown on an invalid license and tarnished the image of the airline. ICPA demands his immediate suspension as per company rules," said a letter to the AI chairman signed by Rishabh Kapur, general secretary, ICPA.

Hindustan Times had in November reported an internal vigilance report that had stated that Nigam's Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) training was not valid as he did not attend the full training programme. "It shows the willful negligent approach of Capt Nigram towards the training. He has flouted the DGCA regulatory provisions. This constitutes misconduct under NACIL service regulation," it said.

Following the HT report, an inquiry was conducted by Capt. SS Panesar and Capt. NK Beri who stated in their report to the AI chairman that, "…the story is correct…it is suggested that you may like to counsel Capt Nigam in this regard because it does not look nice for him being GM (operations) to violate training procedure. He should rather set an example of an extra disciplined manager."

AI refused to comment on the story.