Air India has terminated the services of a simulator trainer pilot and grounded 10 other pilots trained by him following allegations of lapses in recurrent simulator training. The latest action follows a whistleblower complaint that claimed the trainer had failed to properly discharge his duties during mandatory pilot training sessions.
The Tata Group-owned airline, in an official statement, confirmed that a detailed investigation was conducted into the allegations. A thorough review of the evidence substantiated the claims, leading to the pilot trainer’s dismissal and the grounding of those he had trained.
Recurrent simulator training is a crucial aspect of pilot certification, ensuring that flight crew members maintain proficiency in handling various emergency scenarios. Any negligence in this process could have serious implications for flight safety.
The airline has not disclosed specific details about the lapses but emphasized its commitment to upholding the highest standards of training and safety. It has assured that the grounded pilots will undergo fresh training and assessment before being cleared for duty.
This development highlights Air India’s strict stance on regulatory compliance and operational integrity, especially as the airline undergoes significant transformation under the Tata Group’s ownership. The move is also seen as a message to the aviation industry about the importance of maintaining rigorous training protocols to ensure passenger and flight safety.