DGCA cracks the whip on retired pilots

The aviation safety regulator has begun a crackdown on pilots who are operating private jets for corporate houses despite crossing the retirement age of 65 years.

The aviation safety regulator has begun a crackdown on pilots who are operating private jets for corporate houses despite crossing the retirement age of 65 years.

On Wednesday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) asked Taurian Iron and Steel Pvt Ltd (TISPL), a Worli-based company, to ground one of its pilots.

The DGCA received an anonymous letter stating that the pilot engaged by TISPL had crossed the retirement age. According to the DGCA rule, pilots above 65 years can only fly as a hobby and not ferry any passengers. "We have begun our investigation," said a senior DGCA official requesting anonymity.

DGCA sources alleged that the TISPL pilot manipulated the logbook entries. "We suspect that he deleted his name and put a colleague's name to refute the charge," the official said.

Louis Mendonca, general manager, HR department, was not available for comment.

The case has prompted the DGCA to scrutinise pilots employed by corporate houses. Sources said retired pilots were popular as they charged one-fifth of what regular charter pilots charge. Earlier this year, the regulator had grounded nine pilots for violating the same rule.