The pilot of the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that suddenly lost altitude mid-air on August 4 reportedly slept for 30-35 minutes during the flight. This comes as an investigation continues into the incident in which 13 passengers and four crew members were injured when the plane suddenly dropped 300 feet in altitude.According to a Hindustan Times report, citing two people familiar with his account to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the pilot was suffering from sleep difficulties and was on prescribed medication. Earlier reports indicated that he had tested positive for marijuana following a drug test.The pilot allegedly told investigators he was unable to sleep during his layover in Phuket. He reportedly also said he had been struggling with sleep for some time due to personal circumstances. The report added that the pilot did not identify the medication he was taking or specify how long he had been using it.Under DGCA regulations, pilots taking prescription medication are required to disclose it to their airline. Failure to do so can lead to action by the airline. It remains unclear whether the pilot had made such a declaration.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indigo-flight-suffers-engine-failure-emergency-declared-at-chennai-airport-1786520967055">IndiGo flight suffers engine failure; emergency declared at Chennai airport</a><h2>Did pilot sleep during flight?</h2>According to the report, the pilot told investigators he slept for about 30 to 35 minutes during the flight, then used the washroom before returning to the cockpit and standing behind the first officer. He was discussing the aircraft’s air-conditioning system when the sudden altitude drop occurred, and the impact reportedly threw him to the cockpit floor. Reportedly, the first officer was flying the aircraft, while the commander was serving as the pilot monitoring.A cabin crew member seated in the observer seat, a position assigned by the departing pilot when leaving the cockpit, helped the commander back to his feet, it added. The account is the first detailed description from the cockpit crew of the events aboard flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 registered as VT-EXO. However, the complete sequence of events cannot be verified.

Air India’s Phuket-Delhi flight pilot reportedly slept for 30–35 minutes mid-flight and told investigators he had long suffered from sleep problems. The AAIB is investigating the 300-foot altitude drop.

The pilot of the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that suddenly lost altitude mid-air on August 4 reportedly slept for 30-35 minutes during the flight. This comes as an investigation continues into the incident in which 13 passengers and four crew members were injured when the plane suddenly dropped 300 feet in altitude. According to a Hindustan Times report, citing two people familiar with his account to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the pilot was suffering from sleep difficulties and was on prescribed medication. Earlier reports indicated that he had tested positive for marijuana following a drug test. The pilot allegedly told investigators he was unable to sleep during his layover in Phuket. He reportedly also said he had been struggling with sleep for some time due to personal circumstances. The report added that the pilot did not identify the medication he was taking or specify how long he had been using it. Under DGCA regulations, pilots taking prescription medication are required to disclose it to their airline. Failure to do so can lead to action by the airline. It remains unclear whether the pilot had made such a declaration. Also read | IndiGo flight suffers engine failure; emergency declared at Chennai airport Did pilot sleep during flight? According to the report, the pilot told investigators he slept for about 30 to 35 minutes during the flight, then used the washroom before returning to the cockpit and standing behind the first officer. He was discussing the aircraft’s air-conditioning system when the sudden altitude drop occurred, and the impact reportedly threw him to the cockpit floor. Reportedly, the first officer was flying the aircraft, while the commander was serving as the pilot monitoring. A cabin crew member seated in the observer seat, a position assigned by the departing pilot when leaving the cockpit, helped the commander back to his feet, it added. The account is the first detailed description from the cockpit crew of the events aboard flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 registered as VT-EXO. However, the complete sequence of events cannot be verified.

Air India’s Phuket-Delhi flight pilot reportedly slept for 30–35 minutes mid-flight and told investigators he had long suffered from sleep problems. The AAIB is investigating the 300-foot altitude drop.

Air India pilot who consumed marijuana fell asleep during Phuket-Delhi flight? Here’s what we know

The pilot in command (PIC) of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi that encountered a sudden loss of altitude last week was not only on marijuana but was also taking medicines for "sleep difficulty", according to the airline's internal flight safety report.&nbsp;The latest revelation was made by the PIC before a team of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), reported NDTV.&nbsp;The incident, involving an Airbus A320neo, injured 13 passengers and four crew members. However, the aircraft that suddenly lost about 300 feet of altitude while it was flying from Phuket to Delhi carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, landed safely in Delhi.&nbsp;"I disclose, for completeness, that I had separately been experiencing sleep difficulty over a preceding period, related to personal circumstances, for which I had been prescribed medication by my family doctor," the pilot said in a flight safety statement, as reported by NDTV.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-ambassador-ignacio-calls-brahmos-deal-real-credible-deterrence-amid-south-china-sea-tensions-1786542995676">Philippines Ambassador Ignacio calls BrahMos deal ‘real credible deterrence’ amid South China Sea tensions</a>&nbsp;He also claimed that he struggled to sleep during his layover as the manner in which the roster was scheduled it “compressed available daytime rest, which is often below the minimum required for adequate recovery", according to the report.&nbsp;"During the layover, I personally attempted rest; sleep did not come easily, and I judged that light activity such as walking would be constructive for sleep quality," he said.&nbsp;<h2>The case has put renewed focus on how India tests pilots for alcohol and drugs, what happens after a positive result?</h2>&nbsp;Alcohol and drug testing are handled differently because alcohol can be measured through breath or blood alcohol concentration, while drug screening generally involves biological samples and subsequent laboratory confirmation.&nbsp;Under DGCA rules, flight crew members operating scheduled flights originating from India are required to undergo a pre-flight breath-analyser examination at the first departure airport during a flight duty period. If a crew member operates a flight without undergoing the test, the person is to be taken off the roster at the first point of landing, and the matter reported to the DGCA.&nbsp;India has separate but complementary rules covering alcohol and psychoactive substances. Under Rule 24 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, a person acting as a pilot or other operating crew member cannot consume alcohol, sedatives, narcotic or stimulant drugs within 12 hours before the commencement of a flight or during the flight. The rules also prohibit crew from being in a state of intoxication or having detectable blood alcohol while performing their duties. For alcohol, DGCA rules require pre-flight breath-analyser testing for flight crew and cabin crew on scheduled flights. The equipment and testing process are regulated, with confirmatory testing available when an initial result is positive. Positive or missed tests must be reported to the DGCA within 24 hours. &nbsp;

He also claimed that he struggled to sleep during his layover as the manner in which the roster was scheduled it “compressed available daytime rest."

The pilot in command (PIC) of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi that encountered a sudden loss of altitude last week was not only on marijuana but was also taking medicines for "sleep difficulty", according to the airline's internal flight safety report. The latest revelation was made by the PIC before a team of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), reported NDTV. The incident, involving an Airbus A320neo, injured 13 passengers and four crew members. However, the aircraft that suddenly lost about 300 feet of altitude while it was flying from Phuket to Delhi carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, landed safely in Delhi. "I disclose, for completeness, that I had separately been experiencing sleep difficulty over a preceding period, related to personal circumstances, for which I had been prescribed medication by my family doctor," the pilot said in a flight safety statement, as reported by NDTV. ALSO READ: Philippines Ambassador Ignacio calls BrahMos deal ‘real credible deterrence’ amid South China Sea tensions He also claimed that he struggled to sleep during his layover as the manner in which the roster was scheduled it “compressed available daytime rest, which is often below the minimum required for adequate recovery", according to the report. "During the layover, I personally attempted rest; sleep did not come easily, and I judged that light activity such as walking would be constructive for sleep quality," he said. The case has put renewed focus on how India tests pilots for alcohol and drugs, what happens after a positive result? Alcohol and drug testing are handled differently because alcohol can be measured through breath or blood alcohol concentration, while drug screening generally involves biological samples and subsequent laboratory confirmation. Under DGCA rules, flight crew members operating scheduled flights originating from India are required to undergo a pre-flight breath-analyser examination at the first departure airport during a flight duty period. If a crew member operates a flight without undergoing the test, the person is to be taken off the roster at the first point of landing, and the matter reported to the DGCA. India has separate but complementary rules covering alcohol and psychoactive substances. Under Rule 24 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, a person acting as a pilot or other operating crew member cannot consume alcohol, sedatives, narcotic or stimulant drugs within 12 hours before the commencement of a flight or during the flight. The rules also prohibit crew from being in a state of intoxication or having detectable blood alcohol while performing their duties. For alcohol, DGCA rules require pre-flight breath-analyser testing for flight crew and cabin crew on scheduled flights. The equipment and testing process are regulated, with confirmatory testing available when an initial result is positive. Positive or missed tests must be reported to the DGCA within 24 hours.

He also claimed that he struggled to sleep during his layover as the manner in which the roster was scheduled it “compressed available daytime rest."

Air India Phuket-Delhi pilot was also on sleep medication, did not get adequate rest before flight

Canada’s transport regulator has asked Air India to launch an investigation after a pilot reported for duty under the influence of alcohol and failed two consecutive breathalyser tests at Vancouver International Airport. Following the incident, which happened on December 23, led to a last-minute delay of Flight AI186, which was travelling from Vancouver to Delhi.Reuters reported, citing a person familiar with the matter, that the pilot was asked to leave the aircraft after the tests conducted by the Canadian police at Vancouver International Airport. Following the incident, described as a “serious matter” by Transport Canada, a letter was sent to the Indian airline. Authorities are likely to pursue enforcement action, the report added.Air India confirmed the incident in a statement, saying that an alternate pilot was brought in to operate the flight.“In accordance with safety protocols, an alternate pilot was rostered to operate the flight, resulting in the delay. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers and is fully cooperating with the local authorities,” Air India said.The airline added that the pilot was taken off flying duties. It said that Air India maintains a “zero-tolerance policy” towards any violation of rules and regulations. It further assured that any violation will attract strict disciplinary action against the pilot.“The pilot has been taken off flying duties during the process of enquiry. Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations,” the airline added, “Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy.”According to Reuters, Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen has asked Air India to provide its findings and details of the steps taken to prevent such incidents in future by January 26.The flight was operating a long-haul route, which now includes a refuelling stop in Vienna due to Pakistan airspace restrictions. Another set of pilots took over during the Vienna–Delhi leg.

Canada’s transport regulator has asked Air India to investigate after a pilot failed two breathalyser tests for alcohol before Flight AI186 from Vancouver to Delhi on Dec 23. The pilot was removed, an alternate crew flew, and enforcement action may follow.

Canada’s transport regulator has asked Air India to launch an investigation after a pilot reported for duty under the influence of alcohol and failed two consecutive breathalyser tests at Vancouver International Airport. Following the incident, which happened on December 23, led to a last-minute delay of Flight AI186, which was travelling from Vancouver to Delhi. Reuters reported, citing a person familiar with the matter, that the pilot was asked to leave the aircraft after the tests conducted by the Canadian police at Vancouver International Airport. Following the incident, described as a “serious matter” by Transport Canada, a letter was sent to the Indian airline. Authorities are likely to pursue enforcement action, the report added. Air India confirmed the incident in a statement, saying that an alternate pilot was brought in to operate the flight. “In accordance with safety protocols, an alternate pilot was rostered to operate the flight, resulting in the delay. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers and is fully cooperating with the local authorities,” Air India said. The airline added that the pilot was taken off flying duties. It said that Air India maintains a “zero-tolerance policy” towards any violation of rules and regulations. It further assured that any violation will attract strict disciplinary action against the pilot. “The pilot has been taken off flying duties during the process of enquiry. Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations,” the airline added, “Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy.” According to Reuters, Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen has asked Air India to provide its findings and details of the steps taken to prevent such incidents in future by January 26. The flight was operating a long-haul route, which now includes a refuelling stop in Vienna due to Pakistan airspace restrictions. Another set of pilots took over during the Vienna–Delhi leg.

Canada’s transport regulator has asked Air India to investigate after a pilot failed two breathalyser tests for alcohol before Flight AI186 from Vancouver to Delhi on Dec 23. The pilot was removed, an alternate crew flew, and enforcement action may follow.

Air India pilot shows up drunk on duty in Vancouver, Canada demands probe

A&nbsp;court in Mumbai&nbsp;on Friday (Nov 29) extended the police custody of 27-year-old Aditya Pandit until Monday in connection with the suicide case of Air India pilot Srishti Tuli. The pilot was found dead in her rented apartment near Marol Police Quarters in Mumbai on November 25. Police sought the extension to gather more evidence and retrieve details of deleted WhatsApp communication that could provide additional&nbsp;clues regarding the events leading to the death.

Earlier, a police statement said Tuli had made a video call to her friend Aditya ahead of taking the extreme step. During the call, Tuli reportedly threatened Pandit that she would commit suicide. Indian Express reported citing police officers that Tuli showed Aditya during the video call that she was about to hang herself.

The duo talked at least 10 times over the phone as Tuli was travelling to her home.

Pandit later reached Tuli’s home and found the place locked. Upon finding the 25-year-old woman unresponsive, Pandit took her to hospital. She was later pronounced dead by doctors at Seven Hills Hospital in Marol.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiW--y464GKAxWkSGcHHdWcAtwQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-smothered-in-smog-as-aqi-remains-at-severe-levels-mumbai-records-moderate-air-quality-776841" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-smothered-in-smog-as-aqi-remains-at-severe-levels-mumbai-records-moderate-air-quality-776841&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiW--y464GKAxWkSGcHHdWcAtwQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Delhi smothered in smog with `severe` AQI level; Mumbai records `moderate` air quality</a>

Police said Tuli could be mentally unstable owing to harassment by Pandit, who himself had been preparing for the pilot exam but failed.

“Pandit's arrest stems from his failure to alert the police about Tuli's threats and his decision to access her locked residence without police involvement. His position as the last person in contact with the deceased has raised suspicion about his potential involvement," the police stated.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjDqLK-64GKAxWLUGwGHZyoGMMQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-pilot-dies-by-suicide-family-alleges-public-humiliation-by-boyfriend-over-non-veg-food-779807" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-pilot-dies-by-suicide-family-alleges-public-humiliation-by-boyfriend-over-non-veg-food-779807&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjDqLK-64GKAxWLUGwGHZyoGMMQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Air India pilot dies by suicide, family alleges public humiliation by boyfriend over non-veg food</a>

“Pandit was arrested after learning that he has concealed information by deleting communications with Tuli. When questioned about the deleted messages, he stated he had threatened self-harm if she died. Police are sceptical of his explanation and are working with forensic experts to recover the deleted content," a police officer was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

(With inputs from agencies)

<a href="https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/11181469">Get help &amp; support for suicide</a>

If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. You can contact local authorities and also encourage the person to contact a&nbsp;suicide prevention hotline&nbsp;using the information above link.&nbsp;WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations.&nbsp;

A court in Mumbai on Friday (Nov 29) extended the police custody of 27-year-old Aditya Pandit until Monday in connection with the suicide case of Air India pilot Srishti Tuli.

A court in Mumbai on Friday (Nov 29) extended the police custody of 27-year-old Aditya Pandit until Monday in connection with the suicide case of Air India pilot Srishti Tuli. The pilot was found dead in her rented apartment near Marol Police Quarters in Mumbai on November 25. Police sought the extension to gather more evidence and retrieve details of deleted WhatsApp communication that could provide additional clues regarding the events leading to the death. Earlier, a police statement said Tuli had made a video call to her friend Aditya ahead of taking the extreme step. During the call, Tuli reportedly threatened Pandit that she would commit suicide. Indian Express reported citing police officers that Tuli showed Aditya during the video call that she was about to hang herself. The duo talked at least 10 times over the phone as Tuli was travelling to her home. Pandit later reached Tuli’s home and found the place locked. Upon finding the 25-year-old woman unresponsive, Pandit took her to hospital. She was later pronounced dead by doctors at Seven Hills Hospital in Marol. Also read: Delhi smothered in smog with `severe` AQI level; Mumbai records `moderate` air quality Police said Tuli could be mentally unstable owing to harassment by Pandit, who himself had been preparing for the pilot exam but failed. “Pandit's arrest stems from his failure to alert the police about Tuli's threats and his decision to access her locked residence without police involvement. His position as the last person in contact with the deceased has raised suspicion about his potential involvement," the police stated. Also read: Air India pilot dies by suicide, family alleges public humiliation by boyfriend over non-veg food “Pandit was arrested after learning that he has concealed information by deleting communications with Tuli. When questioned about the deleted messages, he stated he had threatened self-harm if she died. Police are sceptical of his explanation and are working with forensic experts to recover the deleted content," a police officer was quoted as saying by the Times of India. (With inputs from agencies) Get help & support for suicide If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. You can contact local authorities and also encourage the person to contact a suicide prevention hotline using the information above link. WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations.

Mumbai pilot suicide: Friend’s custody extended as police probe deleted WhatsApp chat, calls

Air India has made the headlines once again, this time for a pilot treating the cockpit as his living room and 'entertaining' a female friend. The incident happened on international flight AI 915 from Dubai to Delhi on February 27th. As per an HT report, the pilot not only mistreated the cabin crew but also endangered the passengers with his actions.&nbsp;

India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is currently investigating the complaint filed by a member of the cabin crew.

The pilot allegedly wanted the cabin crew to make sure that the cockpit, a.k.a., the control centre for the aeroplane, appeared welcoming to his guest.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/research-reveals-how-artificial-intelligence-can-help-look-for-alien-lifeforms-on-mars-and-other-planets-582992">Research reveals how Artificial Intelligence can help look for alien lifeforms on Mars and other planets</a>

As per the complaint, the whole flight was wrought with problems. To start with, the pilots were late;&nbsp;they didn't show up at their reporting time and instead entered the aeroplane late, with the passengers.

Then the pilot against whom the complaint has been filed made demands for a seat upgrade for his friend and when that wasn't available asked for her to be seated in the cockpit. The guest was eventually seated in the first observer seat, which goes against&nbsp;DGCA safety norms.&nbsp;

According to DGCA's Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR): "An employee of the aircraft operator, who has the permission of the pilot-in-command (PIC) and whose duties are such that his/ her entry into the cockpit is necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft can only be allowed in the cockpit provided they have done the mandatory BA tests."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/artificial-intelligence-helps-solve-the-mystery-match-medicine-to-patient-aid-in-treatment-of-depression-583377">Artificial Intelligence helps 'solve the mystery,' match medicine to patient, aid in treatment of depression</a>

In addition, the pilot asked her to be served alcohol in the cockpit, a request the complainant denied. Following this, the pilot's behaviour took a dark turn, and he became "snappy and rude," and started treating the cabin crew member "like a servant working exclusively for him."

DCGA said that it was "looking at the technical and safety aspects involved in the matter." Air India too has launched an investigation&nbsp;and has "constituted a committee to investigate the issues raised."

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Air India has made the headlines once again, this time for a pilot treating the cockpit as his living room and 'entertaining' a female friend. The incident happened on international flight AI 915 from Dubai to Delhi on February 27th.

Air India has made the headlines once again, this time for a pilot treating the cockpit as his living room and 'entertaining' a female friend. The incident happened on international flight AI 915 from Dubai to Delhi on February 27th. As per an HT report, the pilot not only mistreated the cabin crew but also endangered the passengers with his actions. India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is currently investigating the complaint filed by a member of the cabin crew. The pilot allegedly wanted the cabin crew to make sure that the cockpit, a.k.a., the control centre for the aeroplane, appeared welcoming to his guest. Also read | Research reveals how Artificial Intelligence can help look for alien lifeforms on Mars and other planets As per the complaint, the whole flight was wrought with problems. To start with, the pilots were late; they didn't show up at their reporting time and instead entered the aeroplane late, with the passengers. Then the pilot against whom the complaint has been filed made demands for a seat upgrade for his friend and when that wasn't available asked for her to be seated in the cockpit. The guest was eventually seated in the first observer seat, which goes against DGCA safety norms. According to DGCA's Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR): "An employee of the aircraft operator, who has the permission of the pilot-in-command (PIC) and whose duties are such that his/ her entry into the cockpit is necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft can only be allowed in the cockpit provided they have done the mandatory BA tests." Also read | Artificial Intelligence helps 'solve the mystery,' match medicine to patient, aid in treatment of depression In addition, the pilot asked her to be served alcohol in the cockpit, a request the complainant denied. Following this, the pilot's behaviour took a dark turn, and he became "snappy and rude," and started treating the cabin crew member "like a servant working exclusively for him." DCGA said that it was "looking at the technical and safety aspects involved in the matter." Air India too has launched an investigation and has "constituted a committee to investigate the issues raised." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Air India pilot invites female guest into cockpit; India's aviation regulator launches investigation

According to reports, Air India's Srinagar-Delhi flight was held up for up to&nbsp;an hour at Srinagar airport allegedly due to an altercation between a senior Air India pilot and an aircraft maintenance engineer.

The pilot has reportedly complained to airline management. The controversy erupted after the pilot reportedly informed the ground staff that there was an "imbalance" of 1400 kg of fuel.&nbsp;

Fuel imbalance occurs when the fuel in both wings of the aircraft&nbsp;is not filled equally due to which the plane is not allowed to fly, according to the rules.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-resumes-flight-operations-to-us-after-5g-disruption-446124">Also Read:&nbsp;Air India resumes flight operations to US after 5G disruption</a>

The aircraft engineer allegedly refused to agree while forcing&nbsp;the pilot to accept the fuel imbalance even as the pilot refused.

Reports claim the maintenance engineer asked the pilot to report the incident as a "snag" in order to ground the aircraft.&nbsp;

The issue was finally resolved after another engineer addressed the issue and&nbsp;balanced the fuel in both wings as the Air India flight AI 826 took off after an hour. The pilot has reportedly complained about the engineer's "high headed behaviour".&nbsp;

The incident comes as Air India is set to be officially handed over to the Tata Group on Thursday. Air India operates in 101 destinations including 57 domestic operations and in 33 countries worldwide.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

According to reports, Air India's Srinagar-Delhi flight was held up for up to an hour at Srinagar airport allegedly due to an altercation between a senior Air India pilot and an aircraft maintenance engineer.

According to reports, Air India's Srinagar-Delhi flight was held up for up to an hour at Srinagar airport allegedly due to an altercation between a senior Air India pilot and an aircraft maintenance engineer. The pilot has reportedly complained to airline management. The controversy erupted after the pilot reportedly informed the ground staff that there was an "imbalance" of 1400 kg of fuel. Fuel imbalance occurs when the fuel in both wings of the aircraft is not filled equally due to which the plane is not allowed to fly, according to the rules. Also Read: Air India resumes flight operations to US after 5G disruption The aircraft engineer allegedly refused to agree while forcing the pilot to accept the fuel imbalance even as the pilot refused. Reports claim the maintenance engineer asked the pilot to report the incident as a "snag" in order to ground the aircraft. The issue was finally resolved after another engineer addressed the issue and balanced the fuel in both wings as the Air India flight AI 826 took off after an hour. The pilot has reportedly complained about the engineer's "high headed behaviour". The incident comes as Air India is set to be officially handed over to the Tata Group on Thursday. Air India operates in 101 destinations including 57 domestic operations and in 33 countries worldwide. (With inputs from Agencies)

Air India flight held up due to altercation between pilot and engineer: Report

Air India has ordered a probe into the complaints that one of its senior pilots threatened to hit his co-pilots with 'crash axe' at least on two flights, the sources said.

While ordering probe, India's national carrier also directed the senior pilot not to perform his duties as an instructor till further orders. His 'trainership,' however, was restored last week.

In the first incident, the pilot, who is a trainer, allegedly threatened the use of crash axe in the presence of a safety pilot doing the route check.

According to sources, the trainer pilot who was in the cockpit of Air Indian flight AI 709 from Kolkata to Dimapur on January 18, 2018, allegedly threatened to use the axe against the co-pilot who was doing his route check.

On January 26, 2018, the senior commander allegedly misbehaved again with his co-pilot and doled out the same threat to his trainee pilot during a Mumbai-Kolkata flight, forcing the trainee pilot to file a complaint against him, sources said.

Sources said the probe is still on and the instructor has already submitted his response on the incident.

While ordering probe, Air India also directed the senior pilot not to perform his duties as an instructor till further orders.

Air India has ordered a probe into the complaints that one of its senior pilots threatened to hit his co-pilots with 'crash axe' at least on two flights, the sources said. While ordering probe, India's national carrier also directed the senior pilot not to perform his duties as an instructor till further orders. His 'trainership,' however, was restored last week. In the first incident, the pilot, who is a trainer, allegedly threatened the use of crash axe in the presence of a safety pilot doing the route check. According to sources, the trainer pilot who was in the cockpit of Air Indian flight AI 709 from Kolkata to Dimapur on January 18, 2018, allegedly threatened to use the axe against the co-pilot who was doing his route check. On January 26, 2018, the senior commander allegedly misbehaved again with his co-pilot and doled out the same threat to his trainee pilot during a Mumbai-Kolkata flight, forcing the trainee pilot to file a complaint against him, sources said. Sources said the probe is still on and the instructor has already submitted his response on the incident.

Air India pilot threatened co-pilots with axe, probe ordered

An Air India pilot on Wednesday abandoned his Delhi-bound plane on the runway after a series of delays and left 48 passengers stranded at the Jaipur Airport, declaring that his working hours were over, DNA reported.

The flight 9I644, which was on its way from Lucknow was supposed to arrive in Jaipur at 9 pm, but it was delayed and arrived at about 1:30 am. The take-off was further delayed until 2 am because of smog and technical issues at the Delhi airport, and by a further 30 minutes at the take-off point, the DNA report said.

A source at the airport told DNA that at the take-off point, the pilot said that his shift was over and left the plane.&nbsp;

Some of the passengers were sent to Delhi by bus early Thursday morning. The others were accommodated in a hotel and flown out later.

Airport authorities confirmed the incident.

The aircraft was standed at Jaipur airport until Thursday evening, sources told DNA.

An Air India pilot on Wednesday abandoned his Delhi-bound plane on the runway after a series of delays and left 48 passengers stranded at the Jaipur Airport, declaring that his working hours were over, DNA reported. The flight 9I644, which was on its way from Lucknow was supposed to arrive in Jaipur at 9 pm, but it was delayed and arrived at about 1:30 am. The take-off was further delayed until 2 am because of smog and technical issues at the Delhi airport, and by a further 30 minutes at the take-off point, the DNA report said. A source at the airport told DNA that at the take-off point, the pilot said that his shift was over and left the plane. Some of the passengers were sent to Delhi by bus early Thursday morning. The others were accommodated in a hotel and flown out later. Airport authorities confirmed the incident. The aircraft was standed at Jaipur airport until Thursday evening, sources told DNA.

Working hours over: Air India pilot abandons plane on runway

air-india-pilot

Air India Pilot, News on Air India Pilot, stories on Air India Pilot, articles on Air India Pilot, Air India Pilot stories at Wion, Air India Pilot news, Air India Pilot latest news

air india-pilot