DGCA Issues Safety Recommendations for Boeing 737 Planes in India
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has responded to a report from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concerning safety issues with Boeing 737 airplanes. The report highlighted problems with the Collins Aerospace SVO-730 Rudder Rollout Guidance Actuators, which could lead to a jammed rudder control system.
Interim Safety Measures
In light of these concerns, the DGCA has issued interim safety recommendations to all Indian operators of Boeing 737 aircraft. Airlines are required to inform flight crews about the potential for a jammed or restricted rudder control system and provide guidance on how to manage such situations.
Safety Risk Assessment
Operators must conduct a Safety Risk Assessment to evaluate and mitigate risks associated with the rudder control system. Additionally, all Category III B approach, landing, and rollout operations, including autoland practices, are to be discontinued until further notice.
Training and Preparedness
Discussion of rudder control system issues is now a mandatory topic in recurrent training sessions and proficiency checks. Specific exercises simulating a jammed or restricted rudder control system must be included in training to ensure flight crews are prepared to handle these scenarios effectively.
These measures are intended to enhance safety and prepare flight crews for potential rudder control issues, with further guidance expected from Boeing and the FAA.
Doubts Revealed
DGCA -: DGCA stands for Directorate General of Civil Aviation. It is the Indian government body responsible for regulating civil aviation in India, ensuring safety and security in the skies.
Boeing 737 -: Boeing 737 is a type of airplane made by Boeing, a company that builds aircraft. It is commonly used by airlines around the world for passenger flights.
NTSB -: NTSB stands for National Transportation Safety Board. It is a U.S. government agency that investigates accidents and issues safety recommendations for transportation, including airplanes.
Rudder -: A rudder is a part of an airplane that helps it turn left or right while flying. It is located at the tail of the plane and is important for controlling the direction of the aircraft.
Category III B operations -: Category III B operations refer to a type of landing procedure used in very low visibility conditions, like fog. It requires special equipment and training to ensure safe landings.
FAA -: FAA stands for Federal Aviation Administration. It is a U.S. government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation in the United States.
