DGCA allows online pilot refresher training

DGCA allows online pilot refresher training

AirAsia says it is first carrier to get nod

13/05/2020, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT,MUMBAI

AirAsia will start the virtual training this week. File photo

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has allowed airlines to conduct distance learning in regulatory recurrent training for its pilots, cabin crew, dispatchers and engineers. Air Asia India on Tuesday said it had become the first airline to get the DGCA approval.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic led to suspension of flights, flight crew trainings were conducted in regular classrooms.

Captain Arun Nair, chief pilot training and standards, AirAsia India, said, “With this milestone approval, AirAsia India would be starting the annual recurrent trainings for pilots through virtual classrooms, starting this week. While there is a restriction on travel and movement, that has not stopped us from continuing our learning and development process.”

Distance learning will have the benefit of ensuring physical distancing and result in cost savings.

The new regulation permits Indian carriers to conduct all regulatory recurrent training covered in the respective DGCA circulars once in two years, provided the crew has undergone previous recurrent training through contact classes.

An AirAsia spokesperson said, “The purpose of the recurrent training is to refresh and keep the pilots stimulated and improve their skills with training programmes on technical systems, procedures, special operations, aircraft performance, safety management system, crew resource management and safety procedures.”