DGCA bars low visibility landings in Boeing 737 planes due to defect in rudder control
DGCA) has asked airlines with Boeing 737 planes not to do landings in less than 150 feet and to conduct training for their pilots for a scenario where the rudder is jammed, restricting its control.
This is after the National Transport Safety Board (NTSB), the accident investigator of the US, issued an urgent safety alert last week for a potential rudder failure in the 737 aircraft. The incident was discovered after a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 experienced “stuck” rudder pedals while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport in February.
DGCA’s advisory will not immediately impact any airline as low visibility conditions with visual range as low as 150 feet is not prevailing in the country, say experts. However, if the issue is not sorted before the foggy days of December, airlines may face challenges with some of their planes barred from operating from the Delhi Airport.
This, NTSB determined, was due to a failure of a component called rollout guidance actuator, that moves the rudder. It’s made by Collins Aerospace, a unit of aerospace giant RTX.
In India, Air India Express, Akasa Air and SpiceJet operate the aircraft. While SpiceJet said that it has no planes fitted with the component under scanner, Akasa and Air India Express have said that they are in communication about the possible steps required. Akasa hasn't been approved by DGCA yet for landings in such low visibility conditions.
Legal
Commercial Contract and Dispute Resolution
By — Mukul Sharma, Partner- Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
Web
