New Delhi – A recent flight operated by Air India has sparked internal reviews and fresh concerns about cockpit discipline and training standards after a junior first officer reportedly questioned the captain’s decision to turn off the fuel control switches mid-flight.
The incident, which took place on a routine domestic sector earlier this month, involved a Boeing 787 Dreamliner and has since been reported to India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). According to preliminary accounts, the junior pilot—on one of her early line training flights—alerted the cabin crew and airline officials after the captain took what she believed to be an “irregular action” by momentarily turning off both fuel control switches without providing an explanation.
Multiple sources within the airline, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the captain later justified the action as part of an “in-flight systems check” that was not part of standard procedure.
“The first officer’s reaction may have prevented a more serious event,” said a senior pilot familiar with the matter. “While the switches were only off briefly and fuel flow was quickly restored, such actions are highly unusual during flight, particularly without prior communication or briefing.”
Air India has acknowledged that an inquiry is underway but declined to provide specific details due to the sensitive nature of the investigation. “We are cooperating fully with the DGCA and have grounded the crew involved pending the outcome,” the airline said in a statement.
Aviation experts have noted that while fuel control switches are critical for engine management, they are typically only used during engine start-up or shutdown sequences—not during cruise flight. Unexplained manipulation of these controls can disrupt engine operation, pose safety risks, and violate standard operating procedures (SOPs).
The DGCA is now reviewing flight data recorder (FDR) logs and cockpit voice recordings (CVR) to determine the sequence of events and assess whether cockpit resource management (CRM) protocols were breached.
This event adds to growing scrutiny over Air India’s operational practices following its merger with Vistara and ongoing fleet expansion. Analysts say the incident underscores the importance of maintaining stringent training standards and reinforcing the authority and responsibility of all crew members—regardless of rank.
“Junior pilots must feel empowered to question unsafe or unclear actions,” said Captain Rajiv Mehta, a retired Airbus A320 instructor. “CRM is not just a checklist item—it’s a culture of mutual respect and safety.”
As investigations continue, aviation stakeholders are calling for greater transparency and emphasis on training oversight, especially amid an influx of newly recruited pilots in India’s rapidly growing aviation sector.