A selfie-obsessed pilot used the cockpit as a place for photo shoot, Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday took note of the incident and sought an explanation from Jet Airways.
According to an official, DGCA has also asked under what conditions the pilot allowed his friends and family into the restricted zone.
Meanwhile, the pilot in question Sahil Arora, on Tuesday, deleted his Facebook page where he had uploaded the pictures.
A DGCA official told Mail Today on Tuesday: “DGCA’s air safety wing has served a notice to Jet Airways seeking a detailed explanation about the pictures the pilot has taken inside the cockpit. DGCA will wait for airline’s reply to take action. Prima facie, it seems that pilot allowed his friends and other crew members without any purpose.”
Meanwhile, in a statement, a Jet Airways spokesperson said: “The story accompanying the photograph published in MAIL TODAY is misleading, as a careful examination shows that the aircraft is in fact on the ground. While the photograph does not constitute a violation or breach of any safety standard or aviation regulation, an internal inquiry is being conducted to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the photograph and the pilot will not be utilised for flying duties pending completion of the inquiry.”
He added: “At Jet Airways, safety is of paramount importance and is supported by a strict employee code of conduct, based on the values and ethos of the airline. Any violation of this policy will lead to severe disciplinary action.”
According to the DGCA, a circular was issued in 2012 saying that action will be taken against the defaulting airline/-individual for violating the provisions of the Aeronautical Information Circular 3 of 1997 and Rule 13, punishable under the provisions of Schedule VI to the Aircraft Rules, 1937.
According to a senior official, Arora may face serious action for violating aviation rules. It was also risky for the pilot trying to come out through the cockpit window for a picture, as he could have injured himself or damaged the aircraft.
Captain Sudhir Singh, a pilot, said: “It is a normal practice that pilots allow few known passengers into the cockpit but everyone is aware it is not authorised to do so. Arora’s act is truly unprofessional.”
