2020 – Posted in: RSTV – Tags: Directorate General of Aviation, International Civil Aviation Organization, Office of Aviation Accident Investigation, Office of Civil Aviation Safety, The Aircraft (amendment) bill 2020

THE AIRCRAFT (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2020

Aircraft Amendment Bill

Introduction

The government presented a bill to Lok Sabha on Tuesday to amend the aircraft law, according to which the amount of the fines will drop from 10 lakh rupees to 1 crore rupees. The 2020 Aircraft Amendment Bill also plans to keep “aircraft belonging to the Union armed forces, military or air forces” outside the Aircraft Act of 1934.

Once the changes have been approved, the government would also have the power to issue instructions to revise, if necessary in the public interest, any order approved by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC), the Office of Safety and Security.

The bill was introduced by the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal, since the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Hardeep Singh Puri, was not present in the House. The proposed changes to the law were approved by the Cabinet of the Union in December. The law refers to the control of the manufacture, possession, use, operation, sale, import and export of aircraft.

Key points of the bill

The Aircraft Modification Bill proposes that regulations in all areas of air navigation fall within the scope of the law.

The amendment will also comply with the safety conditions of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
It will also assist the three aviation regulators in India: the Directorate General of Aviation (DGCA), the Office of Civil Aviation Safety (BCAS) and the Office of Aviation Accident Investigation (AAIB) ) to better fulfill their function.
The proposed changes would meet the safety requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
It is also proposed to authorize the BCAS or any authorized agent to give instructions, to designate agents to judge sanctions and to introduce a provision to aggravate crimes.

Need of new amendment

Increase in the number of air safety violations or violations in recent years: Recently, Airbus A320neo aircraft equipped with Pratt and Whitney engines could have had catastrophic consequences, as many of these aircraft have experienced air failures.
The DGCA had asked Indigo and Go Air, which still use this version of the aircraft, to install modified engines or to replace the entire fleet of these aircraft.
There have also been numerous reports of aircraft facing other technical drawback and, ultimately, this could generate a sense of fear among passengers.

Create an enabling environment

The bill aims to empower the central government to establish the DGCA, BCAS and AAIB under the law, as well as to clarify their responsibilities.
It would also make the regulation of all areas of air navigation services governed by law.
This bill would allow the three regulators of the civil aviation sector in India, namely the DGCA, the BCAS and the AAIB, to be more efficient.

Adoption of international standards

The bill contains provisions to ensure the safety of air operations in India and to conduct civil aviation operations in accordance with the standards, procedures and practices established by ICAO.
According to the statement of the ICAO audits, carried out in 2012 and 2015, they indicated the need to amend the law to grant adequate recognition to regulators under the law.
The modifications would meet the requirements of ICAO.

Indian Civil Aviation Sector

The Indian civil aviation sector has high growth potential and, at present, the national airlines planned together have nearly 680 aircraft.
The 2019-2020 economic survey indicated that, to continue the high growth trajectory, the government provided a pleasant environment for Indian carriers to double their fleet from approximately 680 aircraft in late November 2019 to more than 1200 for the fiscal year 2023-24.
ICAO carried out the universal safety oversight audit program for India in November 2017 and February 2018. The result of the audit showed that the country’s score decreased to 57.44% from 65, 82%. % Back, placing India below Pakistan and Nepal.
An ICAO team also visited India in November 2018 and assessed actions taken in three areas that were audited by ICAO in November 2015.

Challenges for regulators

These regulatory agencies must create a basic role or type of guidelines for operations from a technical security perspective.
Previous security was the main consideration, but over the past 30 years, security has become an equally serious problem.
Updating knowledge: technology is evolving too fast. Regulators do not compete with this speed.
Induction of a skilled technical workforce: being part of the government, they cannot attract the best talent. Its training infrastructure and regulatory system are a bit outdated.
There is no good research and development (R&D) division that deals with aircraft problems.

Way forward

Need to improve technical skills.
There was no provision to establish liability and there are no regulations for drones and drones, this amendment will cover these issues.
The country’s civil aviation sector faces many difficult problems and this step can help solve them.

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