Female friend in cockpit: DGCA derosters entire crew till probe is over

Two months after an Air India pilot allowed a female friend into the cockpit during a Dubai-Delhi flight, aviation watchdog DGCA has directed the airline to deroster the entire crew till the investigations are completed.

A cabin crew member of the flight had filed a complaint with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) after a pilot had allowed a female friend into the cockpit. The incident had taken place on February 27.

News agency PTI while quoting a source said that the official at the DGCA said though prima-facie the cabin crew had no role in the incident, the entire crew of the flight has to be derostered pending the probe.

The report also said that the pilot would remain grounded until a final decision is taken on the mater by the regulator.

There has been no immediate word from Air India on the incident. On April 21 the Airlie had said that it had taken serious note of the incident and that the probe was underway.

According to the rules unauthorised people are not allowed to enter the cockpit and any such incident is considered to be a violation of the norms.

"DGCA is conducting an investigation into the matter. The Investigation team will examine the relevant facts," said a senior DGCA official. The official added that the incident happened on February 27 when an Air India pilot operating from Dubai to Delhi allegedly entertained a female friend in the cockpit. "The act violates aviation regulator DGCA safety norms," the aviation regulator had said in a statement.

"We have taken serious note of the reported incident and investigations are underway in Air India. We have also reported the matter to the DGCA and are cooperating with their investigations. We have zero tolerance in aspects related to the safety and well-being of our passengers and will take requisite action, "Air India had said in a statement.