Question : SURVEILLANCE AND REGULATORY AUDIT OF AIRCRAFT OPERATORS

(a) whether the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) undertakes surveillance and regulatory audit of aircraft operators and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the surprise checks conducted by DGCA as part of its oversight activity during each of the last three years and the current year and the number of aircraft grounded as a result thereof;

(c) the total number of foreign pilots, expatriates or retired personnel hired by the public/private airlines for flight operations in the country, airline-wise;

(d) whether the government has any mechanism to verify the antecedents of foreign pilots, expatriates hired by the private airlines and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) the details of the guidelines issued by the Government /DGCA to regulate and monitor the aviation sector?

Minister of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati)

(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House. ;

Statement referred to in reply to part (a) to (e) of Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 365 regarding `Surveillance and Regulatory Audit of Aircraft Operators`

(a) : Yes Madam. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) undertakes surveillance and regulatory audits as a part of the safety oversight system of aircraft operators as per the annual surveillance programme as notified by DGCA. 2394 surveillance audits and 20 regulatory audits have been planned under annual surveillance programme during 2014.

(b) The details of surprise checks conducted by DGCA as part of its oversight activity and number of aircraft grounded during the last three years and current year are given at Annexure-I. In addition, DGCA also conducts planned surveillance and regulatory audits.

(c) Engagement/appointment of foreign pilots, expatriates or retired personnel by the organisation is the prerogative of the respective organisation. However, details of the foreign pilots employed by aviation companies as on 31.03.2014 is at Annexure-`II`. The information regarding retired personnel hired by airlines is not maintained by DGCA.

(d) The cases of Foreign Aircrew Temporary Authorisation (FATA) pilots are processed on the basis of information furnished by each airline and after security clearance from Ministry of Home Affairs. The Government has restricted issue of FATA upto 31.12.2016.

(e) DGCA is responsible for regulation of Air Transport Services to/from and within India as per provisions of Aircraft Act, 1934 and Aircraft Rules issued thereunder. DGCA issues various Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) and Aeronautical Information Circulars (AIC) besides advisories as a part of safety oversight functions.