The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken action in response to an AI cockpit row by off-rostering the entire flight crew. The move follows an incident in which the captain of an Air India flight allegedly assaulted a co-pilot in the cockpit.
The incident, which took place on April 6th, reportedly occurred during a flight from Delhi to Bengaluru. According to reports, the captain and the co-pilot had an argument over the use of a headset, which escalated into a physical altercation. The co-pilot reportedly left the cockpit in tears, and the flight landed safely in Bengaluru.
In response to the incident, the DGCA launched an investigation and off-rostered the entire flight crew, including the captain and the co-pilot. The move means that the crew will not be able to operate flights until the investigation is completed.
Air India’s Statement
Air India has issued a statement condemning the incident and promising to cooperate with the DGCA’s investigation. The airline has also reportedly suspended the captain pending the outcome of the investigation.
The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of passengers and the need for better training and support for flight crews. Experts have called for better conflict resolution training for pilots and crew members, as well as better mental health support for those working in high-pressure environments.
The incident is not the first time that Air India has been involved in a cockpit row. In 2019, the airline suspended a senior pilot for allegedly physically assaulting a co-pilot during a flight.
The DGCA’s action in off-rostering the entire flight crew is seen as a strong message to the aviation industry about the need for better training and support for flight crews. The move is also expected to prompt other airlines to review their policies and procedures for dealing with such incidents.
The investigation into the AI cockpit row is ongoing, and the DGCA has not yet announced when the flight crew will be allowed to return to duty. The incident has highlighted the importance of ensuring that flight crews are properly trained and supported to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members alike.
