Flight Safety Information - December 27, 2024 No. 258 In This Issue : Aeromedical Branch makes ‘Safe to Fly’ recommendation for SPYDR device : Accident: Swiss BCS3 near Graz on Dec 23rd 2024, smoke on board : Aviation Club soars into American Rocketry Competition : Preliminary investigation: AZAL aircraft shot down by Russian air defence : Japan Airlines Flights Cancelled and Delayed Amid Cyberattack : Aviation Safety Specialists Testify on Boeing Safety Culture : Hong Kong Researchers Unveil Groundbreaking Study on Equatorial Plasma Bubbles’ Impact on Aviation Safety : FAA confirms the Dominican Republic’s category 1 status following rigorous aviation safety audit : Douglas County Halts Light Show, Citing Safety, Permitting Issues : HC directs DGCA to examine safety mechanism in Air India’s leased Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft plying between US and India Calendar of Events Aeromedical Branch makes ‘Safe to Fly’ recommendation for SPYDR device • Published Dec. 16, 2024 • By Brian Brackens • Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) -- After an extensive test and evaluation process, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Aeromedical Systems Branch has officially certified that SPYDR is safe for use on select aircraft. SPYDR, by Spotlight Labs, are small earcups with an integrated blood oxygen and heart rate sensor, which rest on an artery underneath the ear, to allow for real-time monitoring and alerting of impending physiological events. The device gathers biometric data such as heart rate, and oxygen levels, and collects aircraft condition data during flight. The information can be used for post-flight analysis and to improve flight outcomes. Inflight physiologic monitoring systems (SPYDR) light up and prepare to collect physiological data in flight with the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, August 6, 2024. The human performance testing focused on analyzing the effects of long duration flights on aircrew performance, gathering real-time data directly from pilots before, during and after flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Rebecca Abordo) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “Back in 2018, SPYDR was conceptualized to provide an alert response capability for some of our aircrew,” said TJ Turner, the integrated product team lead for SPYDR and the branch’s lead program manager for labs. “Since then, its software, hardware and firmware have been updated so that we now have a device that may mitigate potentially life-threatening events before they become an emergency for the pilot or aircrew. The capabilities SPYDR provides, make the flying community a safer place to be.”This is sample textPrior to the recent Safe to Fly, SPYDR underwent vigorous test and evaluation of approximately 40 test devices on almost 100 flights via four mission design series platforms in the United States and overseas to ensure it was safe for use. “There are a lot of requirements that have to be met to certify that systems are capable and safe to be flown on aircraft,” said Scott Anderson, chief engineer for the branch, speaking about the Air Force’s airworthiness process. “Some of the testing might include human factors testing, altitude and rapid decompression testing, temperature testing and impact testing. There are a lot of areas we look at to certify systems or devices such as SPYDR, are safe on aircraft.” Currently, SPYDR has been issued a “Safe to Fly” for use on F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons, F-22 Raptors, and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, T-6A Texan IIs, T-38 Talons, and T-1A Jayhawks and is currently available for commercial acquisition; sustainment responsibilities belong to the purchasing organizations. “The feedback we’ve received from aircrew members about SPYDR, has been very positive so far,” said Scott Murphy, chief of the Aeromedical Systems Branch. “But none of our efforts to field this device would be possible without the support of the 422nd and 59th Test and Evaluation Squadrons at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. They were the operational test organizations that worked with us to plan, facilitate and execute operational test of the device, and for that they have our gratitude.” The SPYDR device and support packages are commercial off-the-shelf products that units can procure directly from the manufacturer. Accident: Swiss BCS3 near Graz on Dec 23rd 2024, smoke on board By Simon Hradecky, created Monday, Dec 23rd 2024 19:06Z, last updated Thursday, Dec 26th 2024 20:20Z A Swiss International Airlines Bombardier C-Series CS-300, registration HB-JCD performing flight LX-1885 from Bucharest Otopeni (Romania) to Zurich (Switzerland) with 74 passengers and 5 crew, was enroute at FL400 about 20nm eastnortheast of Graz (Austria) when the crew decided to divert to Graz reporting smoke on board. The aircraft landed on Graz's runway 34 and stopped on the runway about 19 minutes after the decision to divert. The aircraft was evacuated. A rescue helicopter positioned to the aircraft on the runway, took a flight attendant under resuscitation on board and flew him to a hospital. About 17 passengers and a number of crew needed medical attention, too. The airline stated: "The cockpit crew decided to make an unscheduled landing in Graz. The aircraft is currently on the runway, the passengers have been evacuated. More information will follow." The airline subsequently added that following engine (PW1524G) trouble and smoke in cockpit and cabin they are concerned about one of their cabin crew, the other four crew also went to see doctors. Later the airline announced two additional flights were scheduled to fly to Graz, one with a care team for the passengers and crew already during the night, and another one to take the passengers to their destination the following morning. The cause of the smoke is currently under investigation. 17 passengers required medical attention. Local Police reported one member of the crew received serious injuries and is currently in the Intensive Care Unit of a local hospital, 13 passengers received minor injuries. Both pilots and 2 cabin crew were taken to the hospital, too. A replacement BCS3 registration HB-JCG reached Zurich the following morning with a delay of about 12.5 hours. On Dec 26th 2024 the airline reported that two of three cabin crew are still in hospital care, one of them still in the intensive care unit. The investigation is working diligently to clarify the causes of this accident, in the focus are mechanical components like engines but also the use of the Protective Breathing Equipment (PBE). Related NOTAM: A2982/24 NOTAMN Q) LOVV/QFALC/IV/NBO/A /000/999/4700N01526E005 A) LOWG B) 2412231720 C) 2412231920 EST E) AERODROME CLSD Aviation Club soars into American Rocketry Competition By Manya Sikka, Staff Writer | December 18, 2024 Members of the Aviation Club working on the design of the rocket during a meeting. Most clubs aren’t exactly rocket science — but for the Aviation club, that’s all it is. From prototyping rockets to qualifying for national competitions, Aviation Club gives its members opportunities to explore the topic. With an ultimate goal of competing at the American Rocketry Competition, Aviation Club began creating its rocket in August. Each member designed a model of the rocket on OpenRocket, a rocket designing software. From there, the club voted on which model to use and revised it together to meet all competition requirements. The design of the rocket that the Aviation Club will be using during the American Rocketry Competition. (Manya Sikka) The process of making the rocket spanned the last few weeks, with each member of the club focusing on different aspects. “Our group is getting the materials to build the rocket and organizing our members into small teams,” sophomore Jayson Park said. “Each team will focus on specific parts of the rockets, such as the engine and the motors.” Story continues below advertisement In the competition, the club’s rocket will need to take two eggs — oriented sideways — to an altitude of 790 feet, and safely return to the ground within 41 to 44 seconds. These structural and time constraints make the club need to focus on precision across the board. “A large part of the challenge is making sure the rocket is balanced,” sophomore Daniil Babinskiy said. “If you want the rocket to actually fly straight, you’ve got to make it spin stabilized. That’s very hard, but if you don’t put the spin stabilization, the rocket is just gonna tumble in the air and not go to the altitude.” In an effort to address these challenges, the club prioritizes communication and strong teamwork to propel them through the competition. Last year, the Aviation club qualified for the competition, but ultimately failed to place. This year, under new leadership and goals, the club has higher hopes for its future. “Our leadership is way better than before,” co-President sophomore Michael Zhang said. “I truly believe our strong communication and shared vision can transform our difficulties into milestones of growth.” Ultimately, the most important component of the process willingness to share ideas with each other. “It doesn’t matter, as an individual, how skilled you are if you can’t communicate your ideas effectively,” Michael said. Preliminary investigation: AZAL aircraft shot down by Russian air defence Exclusive data by Caliber.Az 26 December 2024 16:49 According to reliable government sources, Caliber.Az has learned that the preliminary results of the investigation have determined that an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) aircraft, en route from Baku to Grozny, was attacked on approach to Grozny by the Russian air defence system Pantsir-S. Furthermore, as a result of the use of Russian electronic warfare (EW) systems, the communication system of the Azerbaijani aircraft was completely paralysed. This disruption caused the aircraft to disappear from radar within Russian airspace and only reappeared in the area of the Caspian Sea. According to Russian sources, at the time of the flight over Chechnya, Russian air defence systems were attempting to shoot down Ukrainian drones. The head of the Security Council of the Chechen Republic, Khamzat Kadyrov, confirmed the drone attack on Grozny on the morning of December 25, stating that there were no casualties or damage. In this case, the Russian side should have closed its airspace to civilian aircraft, but this was not done. Why a no-fly zone was not declared over Chechnya remains a significant question. As is known, the Grozny airport refused to allow the aircraft to land. Moreover, the Azerbaijani aircraft was also denied landing permissions at the airports in Makhachkala and Mineralnye Vody. The disoriented crew, subjected to air defence fire and electronic warfare (EW) systems, was redirected to the Kazakh city of Aktau. It can be assumed that this recommendation was given with one goal: to have the aircraft crash into the Caspian Sea, where all witnesses would perish and the aircraft would sink. However, this is merely our assumption. Alternative versions circulating in Russian media are deliberate disinformation attempts to mislead public opinion. Video recordings from the aircraft cabin indicate that two passengers were injured by shrapnel. All eyewitness testimony, including reports of explosions heard outside the aircraft, points to the involvement of air defence systems. For the Azerbaijani side involved in the investigation, the situation is absolutely clear. No one is claiming that this was done intentionally. However, given the established facts, Baku expects the Russian side to acknowledge its responsibility for shooting down the Azerbaijani aircraft, issue an official apology to the Azerbaijani people, and conduct a full investigation, the results of which should lead to holding all responsible parties accountable. Japan Airlines Flights Cancelled and Delayed Amid Cyberattack The airline confirms flight safety remains unaffected while technical teams work to restore the system. By David Hughes December 26, 20243 Mins Read ShareFollow Us Google News TOKYO- Japan Airlines (JL) suspended ticket sales and faced operational disruptions on December 26 due to a cyberattack targeting its network equipment. The attack impacted the airline’s connection systems with customers, causing delays across domestic and international flights. Japan Airlines Cyberattack JAL identified a malfunctioning router as the source of the disruption and shut it down to prevent further issues. The airline confirms flight safety remains unaffected while technical teams work to restore the system. The cyberattack strikes during Japan’s peak winter travel period, amplifying its impact on holiday travelers. JAL shares responded to the news with a 2.5% drop, marking the steepest intraday decline since early October. The incident parallels American Airlines’ recent technical failure on Christmas Eve when a DXC Technology Co. glitch forced a one-hour ground stop across U.S. operations. This marks the second major airline system disruption during the 2024 holiday season. Japan Airlines, established in 1951, operates from major hubs including Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda airports, and Osaka’s Kansai and Itami airports. The carrier completed its transition from state ownership to full privatization in 1987. The airline has implemented emergency protocols to manage the situation and maintain essential operations. JAL continues to monitor the system restoration progress while keeping passengers informed of flight status changes. Technical teams actively work to resolve the router malfunction and restore normal operations. The airline maintains communication with affected passengers through alternative channels during the system recovery. Similar Incidents American Airlines (AA) suspended all US flights for an hour on Tuesday (December 24, 2024) due to technical problems, causing widespread delays across its network. The airline’s vendor-related technology failure prevented critical flight release systems from functioning, including weight and balance calculations necessary for takeoff. Flight operations resumed by mid-morning, but the impact rippled through the airline’s schedule. Business Insider shared Aviation analytics firm Cirium data, revealing that 63% of American’s 3,900 global flights experienced delays as of 2 p.m. Eastern Time, though cancellations remained minimal at just 19 flights. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the nationwide ground stop early Tuesday and announced its lifting approximately one hour later. American Airlines addressed the situation promptly, mobilizing its team to manage the backlog of affected flights and passengers. Similarly, in October 2024, Southwest Airlines faced a system-wide technology failure affecting its website and mobile app, preventing travelers from accessing booking information and flight status. The airline cites high traffic volumes as the root cause of the disruption. Downdetector reported concentrated outage impacts in major transit hubs including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Chicago. Earlier this month (December 2024), a system-wide technology breakdown forced Alaska Airlines (AS) to temporarily shut down its website. Alaska Airlines suspended flights at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for 40 minutes to safely manage aircraft movements. The Alaska Airlines failure blocked customers from booking tickets across all platforms, including their website, mobile app, and contact centers. The outage created a chain reaction of service delays throughout their network. Aviation Safety Specialists Testify on Boeing Safety Culture Note: See video in the original article. Aviation safety specialists testified on Boeing's safety culture amid ongoing issues with its planes midair during a hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. They discussed many issues including the Alaska Airlines inflight door plug failure, reports of employees being penalized for raising safety concerns, and the Federal Aviation Administration's role in ensuring aircraft safety enforcement. Witnesses included Tracy Dillinger, NASA's safety culture and human factors manager, and Javier de Luis, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) aeronautics and astronautics lecturer whose sister died in the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines crash involving a Boeing 737 MAX 8. That deadly crash along with another one prompted regulators in the U.S. and worldwide to ground all Boeing 737 Max planes for inspections. In the U.S., these aircrafts were grounded for 20 months before they were recertified for safety by the FAA and resumed flights in December 2020. Hong Kong Researchers Unveil Groundbreaking Study on Equatorial Plasma Bubbles’ Impact on Aviation Safety December 24, 2024 A team of researchers from Hong Kong Polytechnic University has made significant strides in understanding the effects of equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) on aviation safety. The study, published on December 2, 2024, in Satellite Navigation, introduces a groundbreaking three-dimensional model to predict the impact of these ionospheric anomalies on satellite navigation systems, particularly Ground-Based Augmentation Systems (GBAS) crucial for aircraft precision landing. EPBs, which occur naturally in the Earth’s ionosphere, have long been a concern for the aviation sector due to their potential to disrupt satellite-based navigation systems. These disturbances create significant ionospheric gradients that can lead to Global Positioning System (GPS) inaccuracies, especially during critical flight phases such as landings. With the increasing reliance on GPS technology in aviation, understanding and mitigating the effects of EPBs has become more urgent than ever. The research team, led by Dr. Yiping Jiang, leveraged data from Hong Kong’s Satellite Positioning Reference Station Network to measure the upper limits of spatial gradients caused by EPBs. Their findings reveal that GBAS is capable of maintaining its integrity even under EPB-induced disruptions, meeting the stringent Category II/III approach requirements with a very low probability of missed detection of errors induced by critical EPBs. This breakthrough study, accessible at https://doi.org/10.1186/s43020-024-00154-5, demonstrates that with effective monitoring, current GBAS can detect and mitigate potential delays caused by EPBs, ensuring the continued safety and reliability of navigation systems for aircraft, even in regions where these atmospheric events are more prevalent. The implications of this research are far-reaching, offering a robust framework for assessing and mitigating the risks posed by EPBs to aviation navigation systems. By providing a clearer understanding of how these anomalies affect GBAS, the study paves the way for developing strategies to enhance the safety and reliability of aircraft landing operations, particularly in low-latitude regions where EPBs are more common. Dr. Jiang emphasized the importance of this research, stating, ‘Our model provides a comprehensive assessment of the risks posed by EPBs, which is essential for improving the safe operation of GBAS in areas affected by these ionospheric disturbances. This research is a crucial step forward in enhancing aviation safety, particularly in regions like Hong Kong, where EPBs are a frequent concern.’ The study’s findings are particularly significant for regions like Hong Kong, which are highly susceptible to EPBs. By offering a clearer picture of the potential risks to aviation operations, this research contributes to ensuring that aviation systems continue to meet the highest safety standards worldwide. This groundbreaking work was supported by grants from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Project No. 25202520; 15214523) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 42004029), highlighting the collaborative nature of this important research endeavor. As the aviation industry continues to evolve and rely more heavily on satellite-based navigation systems, studies like this one from Hong Kong Polytechnic University play a crucial role in addressing emerging challenges and ensuring the safety of air travel. The development of this three-dimensional model marks a significant advancement over previous two-dimensional approaches, setting the stage for future research and practical applications in aviation safety. FAA confirms the Dominican Republic’s category 1 status following rigorous aviation safety audit Santo Domingo.- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States has reaffirmed the Dominican Republic’s Category 1 status after a thorough safety audit. Lawrence Fields, Executive Director of the FAA’s Flight Standards Service, presented the final compliance document to Igor Rodríguez Durán, Director of the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC). The document certifies that the Dominican Republic continues to meet the obligations of the Chicago Convention and international aviation safety standards within the agreed deadlines, thus maintaining its Category 1 status after successfully passing the operational safety inspection. The document, delivered through the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic, notes that the country’s aviation system underwent the required audit to review compliance as part of the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program of the FAA. It highlights the significant efforts made by the Dominican Republic’s operational safety oversight system, which produced the positive results now being celebrated. “We have determined that the Dominican Republic complies with the requirements and standards of the Chicago Convention and its annexes for civil aviation safety supervision. Based on the corrective actions taken by IDAC to date, the IASA category for the Dominican Republic will continue to be listed as Category 1,” stated Fields in the letter sent to the Dominican government. In response, IDAC Director Igor Rodríguez, as the Dominican government’s representative, reiterated the commitment made by President Luis Abinader and IDAC to continue fully complying with international civil aviation requirements. “It is important to highlight the efforts of Tourism Minister David Collado and the responsible personnel within IDAC’s various areas that contributed to achieving this certification. This creates an excellent environment for the Dominican civil aviation sector,” Rodríguez noted. Fields emphasized in his statement that the evaluation activity regarding the Dominican Republic has concluded, and that the U.S. government will continue to monitor the country’s compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) safety standards. “We appreciate the positive way IDAC worked with the FAA on this matter. IDAC has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring effective oversight of the Dominican Republic’s aviation safety system. We look forward to working with you in the future,” Fields added. In mid-August, President Luis Abinader praised the results of the FAA audit and the country’s ability to maintain Category 1 status after passing the safety inspection and meeting operational safety standards. “With this certification, we hope to see more Dominican airlines traveling and competing for routes to the United States. The government is committed to fully supporting these airlines,” stated the President. Douglas County Halts Light Show, Citing Safety, Permitting Issues Matthew T. Richards Published: December 24, 2024 A local holiday tradition has been discontinued unceremoniously - but not, Nick Nelson hopes, permanently. Nelson's annual computerized Christmas light show returned to East Wenatchee on November 30, with more than 60,000 lights bedazzling the night sky. What started as a modest, inconspicuous display in 2014 has since grown exponentially. But Nelson says that overlapping factors put a stop to the Christmas fun, at least for now. "The property [Annie's Fun Farm] is zoned light commercial," he explains. "There are certain things you're allowed to do under light commercial zoning," and even if your chosen activity is deemed kosher, "you have to apply for a permit to do it on the property." Nelson says it's not possible to secure a permit for a light show specifically. About two weeks ago, Nelson says, he was approached by Douglas County and told to ixnay his stoplights, which the county insists are too luminous and a hindrance to aviation safety. (Annie's Fun Farm is close to Pangborn Memorial Airport.) "[The county] was like, 'We're willing to let it continue until the end of the season, but you can't use the lights at all," Nelson says. This was followed on Tuesday morning by an email from Heather Mauseth, Douglas County Building Official and Fire Marshal. The missive was addressed to Annie's owner. It had to do with mud and debris buildup on Grant Road, plausibly generated by the light show. "We knew about the mud getting on the road," Nelson says. "It froze and caused an accident, which [the county] considered a nuisance and safety concern. They told us we had to shut it down immediately." "I get that we're not 100 percent in the right," he concedes. "We don't have a permit; we're on commercial property. But at the same time, if mud's that big an issue, why not give us 24 hours to get the mud off the road? Or do it yourself and send us a bill?" "It just seems very unreasonable and, obviously, I'm devastated." Mind you, Annie's has been hosting the light show since 2022; it's not clear why these issues are just now coming to the fore. We await further comment from Mauseth. So what's next for Nelson Family Lights? Nelson was already planning to relocate in the very near future, but this latest injunction by the county certainly complicates things. Whatever lies in store for the show, this year is "shot," Nelson says matter-of-factly. "It takes two months to set up a show! It's a huge production, and even if you had two acres to let us throw the show on, how do I get power there? We spent $4K to put in a 200 amp service where the show is now, and no matter where we go, we're going to have to pay that again. There's a lot that goes into this." "When [the county] originally talked me about the spotlights, they said, 'We enjoy your show and want to bring our kids to it. Why don't you come have a meeting with us and you can look at where else in Douglas County you can have the show?'" Nelson was flustered, he says, by this line of thinking. "I'm like, what reality are you living in? I can't just throw a dart at a map and all of a sudden put a show there." Click here to read his written take. HC directs DGCA to examine safety mechanism in Air India’s leased Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft plying between US and India ‘Matter consists of issues with wider social impact involving flight safety and passenger safety’ Written by Omkar Gokhale follow Mumbai | Updated: December 25, 2024 10:00 IST On January 24, the DGCA slapped Rs 1.1 crore fine on Air India for prima facie non-compliance of regulations. The appellate authority on May 24 upheld the order. (File Image) The Bombay High Court last week directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to examine concerns raised by a pilot over the safety mechanism in Air India’s certain leased Boeing 777-200LR aircraft having long distance flight paths between India and US. It said the matter was “not a bilateral dispute between the parties” but it “involved issues of a wider social impact involving flight safety and passenger safety.” The court asked DGCA to consider whether Air India’s concerned leased Boeing 777-200LR aircraft (earlier with Delta Airlines) having 12 minutes of emergency oxygen supply can descend to an altitude of 10,000 feet within 12 minutes and land safely at the planned alternative airport in case of decompression. It asked the Aviation safety regulator to hear the petitioner pilot, the airline and consider all relevant material and arrive at its findings on compliance of the regulations and certain need for remedial measures and directions, if any. A bench of Justices B P Colabawalla and Somasekhar Sundaresan on December 19 passed an order on a writ plea by the petitioner pilot, claiming that the said aircraft leased in November 2022 do not have adequate oxygen supply for certain paths between US and India. Advocate Bhagyashree Bhalchandra Patwardhan for the petitioner claimed that as per the Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM) and Flight Planning and Performance Manual (FPPM) limitations and state regulations, it is necessary to have sufficient quantity of chemically generated stored breathing oxygen (more than 12 minutes) for all crew members and passengers. Patwardhan added adequate quantity of stored breathing oxygen is mandatory for long distance flights on paths having high mountainous terrains till aircraft reaches/descends to an altitude of 10,000 feet or lower. Advertisement She added, in case of depressurisation, it is not possible to descend to an altitude of 10,000 feet within 12 minutes due to vast stretches of mountainous terrains and the insufficiency was in violation of regulatory norms and detrimental to the passengers’ safety. The petitioner, who had served as a Boeing 777 commander, as per his plea, had refused to operate a particular flight on January 30, 2023 till a legally viable and safe route was provided for him for flying from San Francisco to Bengaluru. He was grounded by the airline in February last year and was subsequently terminated in May 2023. He approached DGCA in October 2023 with a complaint raising concerns over lack of safety. On January 24, the DGCA slapped Rs 1.1 crore fine on Air India for prima facie non-compliance of regulations. The appellate authority on May 24 upheld the order. However, the petitioner approached the HC challenging the said orders, stating that mere imposition of the fine was insufficient to remedy the situation. He added the DGCA order was passed without hearing him, therefore the matter be decided afresh. He claimed that despite the regulator’s orders, the concerned flights are still deployed on the long-distance routes between US and India. Advertisement Senior advocate Zal Andhyarujina for Air India and advocate Pranil K Sonawane for DGCA opposed the plea. The airline claimed that it has complied with every applicable safety norm in the regard. After hearing submissions at length, the judges noted that as they were not experts in the field and the parties had consented to refer the matter to the aviation safety regulator, it was appropriate for DGCA to consider the issue without getting influenced by the court’s views. It said that as the January 24 and May 24 orders ‘do not articulate the issues involved’ for the judicial review, it was inclined to send the matter for DGCA’s full consideration in accordance with law. Get the latest news and updates from Mumbai in your inbox, daily Disposing of the plea, the bench said that the DGCA, which has a number of pilots from Air India on deputation, should ensure no room is left for a perception of conflict of interest at any level during regulatory review. Curt Lewis