DGCA suspends Akasa examiner over lapses

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended one of Akasa Air's designated examiners (DEs) for six months over alleged violation of rules during a pilot skill test, Business Standard has learnt.

- DEEPAK PATEL

"Suspension of DE approval of Capt Kunal Khajuria is hereby ordered for a period of six (06) months, effective from the date of this order," the order dated July 29 read. The action followed a formal complaint by Akasa's Director of Training, Captain Sewak Singh Khosa, and was based on findings from a personal hearing and detailed review of a check session conducted by Khajuria.

The regulator found significant procedural deviations during the skill test of a trainee pilot, Captain Sanjeev Panwar, conducted by Khajuria. It declared the test "null and void" and directed a retest by a qualified examiner under the observation of a type-rated Flight Operations Inspector (FOI).