DGCA, not AAI, to issue permits to air traffic controllers?

After the aviation ministry directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to issue licences to air traffic controllers (ATCOs), the aviation regulator has issued a draft in this regard.

The DGCA will form a committee of ‘seconded inspectors’ — employees of Airports Authority of India (AAI) — who will issue permits to ATCOs and conduct safety checks related to surveillance, navigation, etc, stated the draft.

The inspectors will be chosen by another committee formed by the director general of DGCA.

Currently, the AAI, the parent body of air traffic control (ATC) service, provides licences to ATCOs, who are employed to keep air traffic safe with the help of radar, visual references, computers, among others.

The move comes after International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), in its safety audit conducted last November, had raised concerns over AAI issuing licences to its personnel at ATC. It had recommended that the DGCA take over the task.

To begin with, the Airports Authority of India will provide DGCA with at least 16 seconded inspectors: four CNS (communication, navigation and surveillance) inspectors, eight ATM (air traffic management) inspectors and four ATCO
examiners.

According to the DGCA draft, the seconded inspectors will be deputed for two years. The term can be renewed. These inspectors will also undergo a training programme.

The DGCA will accept suggestions and objections from the stakeholders till July 1. There are around 3,000 air traffic controllers in the country.