September 21, 2018
India's Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu had to order a safety audit of all scheduled airlines and airports amid recent such incidents related to safety of passengers. This development assumes more significance since the minister has also ordered a probe into the last Jet Airways flight incident, which is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
The minister has directed officials concerned to prepare a comprehensive safety audit plan, which involves assessment of safety parameters of all scheduled airlines, aerodromes, flying training schools and MROs (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Organisations) immediately. The Minister has further directed that safety audit should be commenced forthwith and a report to this effect should be submitted for his perusal within 30 days.
In August, the DGCA had conducted a comprehensive financial audit of Air India and Jet Airways along with special safety audit of scheduled commuter airlines Air Deccan and Air Odisha. Read More
September 20, 2018.
Jet Airways Flight Returns To Mumbai After Loss in Cabin Pressure
Jet Airways Flight 9W 697 from Mumbai to Jaipur with 166 passengers on board had to turn back shortly after take-off. Reason : Loss of cabin pressure.
Several passengers complained of headache. Over 30 passengers have suffered ear and nose-bleed.
The crew seemed to forget to select a switch that helps maintain cabin air pressure.
"During climb, the crew forgot to select a bleed switch due to which cabin pressurisation could not be maintained," a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officer told news agency PTI. In aviation circles, this is regarded as a rare mistake by the crew. Loss of cabin pressurization is a serious emergency condition in an aircraft flying at cruising altitude as high as 30000 ft.
As per Jet Airways spokesperson, "All the affected passengers are being attended to by doctors at the airport in Mumbai. First aid was administered to the few guests who complained of ear pain, bleeding nose. We will arrange alternate flights for the passengers.
The crew has been taken off duty and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has started a probe into how the incident happened, the DGCA said.