India's AAIB Recommends DGCA Review Fixed-Wing Pilot Training Records and Simulator Exercises

India – India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recommended that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) consider a one-time review of fixed-wing pilots' training records, particularly those employed by non-scheduled and general aviation operators, to verify compliance with mandatory simulator training requirements.

• The proposal forms part of 10 safety recommendations issued following the AAIB's final investigation into the September 14, 2023 accident involving a VSR Ventures Learjet 45XR (VT-DBL) at Mumbai Airport, which seriously injured all eight occupants. Investigators determined that the crew continued an unstabilised approach in marginal weather conditions, resulting in a low-altitude aerodynamic stall.
• The investigation identified discrepancies in the operator's pilot training records, including mandatory stall-recovery exercises and emergency procedures marked as "Not Applicable" on certain proficiency check forms. A review of additional pilots' simulator training packages suggested that some mandatory exercises may not have been completed.
• AAIB recommended that non-scheduled and general aviation operators establish procedures to verify completion of all mandatory training exercises, including critical emergencies, and periodically review pilot training records for discrepancies.
• The report also identified shortcomings in the operator's internal audit processes, which had not detected the training and documentation discrepancies. AAIB recommended that DGCA strengthen oversight of internal audit effectiveness during regulatory surveillance.
• Additional recommendations address crew resource management training, pilot monitoring callouts and adherence to go-around procedures when an approach becomes unstabilised.
• On simulator training requirements, AAIB has recommended reviewing Item 3.8.1 of the DGCA's Instrument Rating/Pilot Proficiency Check (IR/PPC) and skill-check documentation to explicitly include stall recovery in landing configuration, alongside the existing climb, cruise and approach configurations.

See the full report here.

Source: AAIB