PILOT SCREENING PROCEDURES
flydubai axe attack renews scrutiny: Key aircraft incidents since 9/11 that reshaped aviation safety rules
A flydubai co-pilot launched a terrorist attack by stabbing the captain with an emergency axe. The plane rapidly plunged 16,000 feet before passengers intervened to gain control. Despite serious injuries, the captain managed to land the aircraft safely, ensuring all passengers survived. This incident has reignited discussions regarding aviation security and pilot screening processes. Past incidents like 9/11 and the Germanwings crash have already changed safety protocols significantly.
Look forward to bravery award for Smit Machchhar: Ex-IAF pilot who flew with him
Wing Commander Avinash Chikte reflects on his colleague Smit Machchhar's courage during a recent cockpit incident. After being stabbed by his co-pilot, Smit managed to maintain control of the aircraft. This unexpected attack highlights the rare and serious risks pilots can face in the cockpit. Chikte emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and teamwork among flight crews.
Aviation security measures under new scrutiny after in-flight attack on FlyDubai pilot
The alleged stabbing of captain by his co-pilot on a FlyDubai flight bound for Tel Aviv has exposed potential gaps in crew screening, cockpit security and emergency response protocols. Investigators from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Israel, with assistance from the US and Oman, are examining the incident, including pilot vetting, the handling of distress calls and how the crew member was cleared to operate the Israel-bound flight.
Trump leaves no legal immigration pathway in the US untouched: How his curbs affect workers, students and families
Trump’s immigration crackdown now reaches beyond the H-1B programme, affecting students, families, investors, asylum seekers and temporary visitors through higher fees, tougher screening, visa revocations and country-based restrictions. While routes such as L-1, O-1 and family-sponsored immigration remain open, no legal pathway is entirely free from new risks.
Trump’s immigration crackdown has a Plan B, C and D
Donald Trump’s second-term immigration strategy has relied on multiple legal and administrative routes to tighten entry and stay in the US. When courts block one measure, the administration has often pursued the same objective through narrower orders, agency rules, higher fees or additional screening.
Pilots body FIP calls for making oral fluid testing complementary under drug testing framework
The Federation of Indian Pilots has urged the DGCA to introduce oral-fluid drug testing alongside existing urine-based screening and raise pilots’ annual random testing to 20-25% from 10%. The proposal follows an Air India pilot testing positive for drugs, prompting the airline group to order mandatory one-time testing for pilots.
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Air India pilot on Phuket-Delhi flight tests 'positive' for marijuana: Report
The pilot-in-command of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight tested positive for marijuana after a recent incident. This confirmatory test followed an initial non-negative screening report received upon arrival. The incident occurred on a Phuket-Delhi flight which experienced a sudden loss of altitude. The AAIB is investigating the circumstances surrounding the flight's turbulence and has urged public to avoid drawing conclusions on the matter.
Air India captain of turbulence-hit flight under scanner post drug test
A pilot is under scrutiny for substance use after a recent flight incident. Initial screening results were non-negative, requiring further confirmatory testing. Samples have been sent for analysis, and a final report is currently awaited. Aviation medicine specialists note that therapeutic treatments can also trigger such results. This follows a previous incident involving another Air India pilot in April.
Passengers recount Air India Phuket-Delhi flight turbulence ordeal, raise concerns over safety lapses
Passengers on an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi reported severe turbulence and concerns about the pilot's behavior. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is investigating the incident which caused passenger injuries. Initial screening tests for the pilot indicated a need for further confirmatory analysis. Passengers demanded accountability from aviation authorities and the airline for the incident. The flight experienced a sudden loss of altitude during its journey.
Air India Phuket-Delhi flight case flagged as 'serious incident', AAIB probing sudden altitude loss
An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden altitude loss during cruise. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is now investigating this serious incident. Both pilots have been taken off roster by the DGCA pending the investigation. Some passengers and cabin crew sustained minor injuries during the event. Final action will depend on investigation and confirmatory test results.
'Miracle on the Hudson': Why American pilot Sully's river landing that saved 155 passengers on a US Airways flight is one of aviation's greatest feats
'Miracle on the Hudson': US Airways Flight 1549 made an emergency landing on the Hudson River. Captain Chesley Sullenberger piloted the jet after bird strikes disabled both engines. All 155 passengers and five crew members survived the water landing. This event showcased exceptional skill and calm decision-making under extreme pressure. The incident remains a testament to human resilience and preparedness.
Flying from London to the US just got easier for these connecting travelers
American Airlines and Delta Air Lines are piloting “One Stop Security” at London Heathrow for select US-bound flights. Passengers connecting through Dallas-Fort Worth or Atlanta may skip baggage rechecking and TSA screening.
Liquids carry on rule may exit security checks soon - DHS hints at next big change
The United States Department of Homeland Security may soon revise the Transportation Security Administration's 3-1-1 liquids rule. This rule limits the amount of liquid passengers can carry in their hand luggage. Secretary Kristi Noem hinted at a possible policy shift. This follows the rollback of the mandatory shoe removal rule.
Premature to assume human error: Captain Prashant Dhalla on Air India crash preliminary report
Former DGCA Flight Operations Inspector Captain Prashant Dhalla has suggested that the "startle effect" — a sudden reaction to a technical emergency — may have played a role in the Air India flight AI-171 crash, while cautioning that it's too early to assume pilot error. Referring to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) preliminary report, which confirmed the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployment and abrupt engine shut-offs, Dhalla said the pilots might have attempted to restart engines due to suspected technical issues.
Rashmika Mandanna celebrates ‘escaping death’ on Instagram
The 'Animal' star had a harrowing experience recently, as her air-flight suffered a technical glitch and had to land, just 30 minutes after taking off. The actress was put on an alternative flight along with her co-passengers, which also included 'Great Grand Masti' star Shraddha Das.
Air India gets nation's first Airbus 350, ops to start in Jan 2024
Air India, owned by the Tata Group, received India's first Airbus A350, marking a milestone in the airline's transformation. The A350-900, equipped with a three-class cabin configuration and 316 seats, will initially operate domestically for crew familiarization. Air India plans to commence commercial services in January 2024, with the A350 operating longer-haul routes later
Saudia Boeing 777 and UPS Jets avert collision
A Saudia Boeing 777 and a Boeing 747 came within about 300 feet of each other but a collision was averted after a traffic alert was triggered enabling the planes to be diverted.
This prosthetic system could restore memory loss
Washington, March 28 (IANS) Scientists have demonstrated the successful implementation of a prosthetic system that uses a person's own memory patterns to facilitate the brain's ability to encode and recall memory, an important step towards finding a way to restore memory loss.
Now, stricter check for US flyers with gadgets
Like Indian airports where tablets and laptops have to be taken out of hand bags and kept separately in trays for X-ray screening, US airports will also start doing the same.
Aviators without wings keep skies safe
Better technology – in the ATC tower, on the ground infrastructure and in the automated systems – helps deal with the drastic increase in the traffic in recent times.
Veinus developed by InfraEyes uses technology that displays detected veins; attracts investors' attention
Once ready, they ran a pilot with St John’s Hospital in Bangalore testing the product "Veinus" on 80 patients, including six critical cases
Regulator mandates breathalyzer tests for helicopter pilots
Boarding a helicopter to a shrine in the Himalayas? Don't be surprised if you find the pilot going through a breathalyser test before take-off.
Flyers may have to remove belts, shoes for airport checks
Flyers in India may soon be required to take off their shoes and belts to clear pre-boarding security checks just like in all US and some European airports.
Trial operations of Data Link Communication at Mumbai airport
Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ajit Singh launched the trial operations during his recent visit to Mumbai on 18th June, 2012.
Now pilots to get pre-departure information on screen inside cockpit
The AAI has introduced the Data Link Communication system for pre-departure clearance of aircraft at the Mumbai airport on trial basis.
Aviation sector crisis: Hi-flying pilots struggling to pay jumbo EMIs
This flight of fancy has hit an air pocket. Many young pilots in the country, who had started their careers on enviably handsome salaries, are now finding it difficult to repay the housing and car loans they had taken, owing to the financial crisis in the aviation sector.
Civil aviation ministry planning Stricter norms for education in pilot training schools
The civil aviation ministry is planning to tighten norms for education in pilot training schools and introduce a screening test.
With fake pilot being caught every day, how safe are passengers?
An airhostess had barely finished giving the safety instructions on a Delhi-B'lore flight last week when a passenger asked: "What if the pilot is a fake?"
Air France had speed probe problems five times in a year
Air France Airbus jets experienced at least five incidents last year in which airspeed probes malfunctioned, two of which caused stall alarms.
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