AAI pilot grounded for negligence

An Airport Authority of India (AAI) pilot,involved in inspection of navigational aids in Vietnam,Nepal,Laos,Maldives,Bangladesh and Bhutan,has been grounded for negligence by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and sent for a refresher’s training.

Around 200 passengers escaped a major tragedy at the Thiruvananthapuram airport a month ago when a near collision was averted as Airport Authority of India pilot Captain Rajesh Johar did not wait for a clearance from the Air Traffic Controller and proceeded on the runway where another aircraft was about to land. A thorough probe was ordered by the DGCA,and it was conducted by DGCA chief E K Bharat Bhushan.

The incident rang alarm bells as the pilot headed the flight inspection unit of the AAI and was required to inspect the communication and navigation surveillance facilities at all airports across the country.

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According to sources,Johar was flying a Dornier-228; he did not pay heed to the directions of the Air Traffic Control tower and proceeded towards the main runway where an Emirates flight was scheduled to land.

“He is a pilot of general manager’s rank and such negligence was uncalled for,” said a DGCA official.