(a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item captioned under `Right` message to `wrong` aircraft` appearing in the Hindu dated January 10, 2003;
(b) if so, the reasons for such a lapse;
(c) whether any steps have been taken so that such lapses do not occur in future; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK )
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): On December 27, 2002, an airmiss incident occurred between Royal Jordanian Airlines aircraft and British Airways aircraft in the Flight Information Region (FIR), Mumbai. Another Yemenia Yemen Airways aircraft operating in this region was not meeting the separation requirements with Royal Jordanian flight while crossing on different routes at 33,000 feet over BISET. As the Air Traffic Controller was not in direct contact with Yemenia aircraft, he advised High Frequency (HF) Operator to instruct Yemenia aircraft to descent to 29,000 feet. But, he advised Jordanian aircraft to descend to 29,000 feet. This resulted in an airmiss incident between the two flights which were operating on 31,000 feet on the same route in opposite direction.
(c) & (d): As per the procedure, the officer on duty was taken off from the duties and de-rostered. He has to undergo corrective training procedure under a qualified officer and to qualify in the Proficiency Assessment Practical Examination, as advised by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Besides, work experience for written examination, proficiency check are also being considered for implementation as per advice of DGCA.