India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has ordered Air India Ltd. to reinspect the emergency power systems on its Boeing 787 aircraft after recent module replacements, according to reports from the Press Trust of India.
Focus on Ram Air Turbine (RAT) Safety
The DGCA has also requested Boeing Co. to submit a detailed report outlining preventive measures to avoid un-commanded deployments of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT). The RAT is a critical backup system designed to deploy only during emergencies to maintain essential functions such as flight controls and navigation.
A senior DGCA official, speaking anonymously, noted that the directive follows recent safety incidents involving unexpected RAT deployment on Air India flights, underscoring the importance of rigorous checks.
Recent Safety Incidents Raise Concerns
- Earlier this month, a RAT deployed unexpectedly on an Amritsar–Birmingham flight just before landing.
- On October 9, a Vienna–Delhi flight diverted to Dubai after autopilot and other systems failed.
- In June, an Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, resulting in 241 fatalities out of 242 passengers and crew. The final investigation report for that crash is still pending.
The Federation of Indian Pilots has urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to conduct a special audit of the 787 fleet and consider grounding affected aircraft to ensure passenger safety.
Regulatory Spotlight
India’s aviation safety practices are under scrutiny as the market continues to expand rapidly. The DGCA’s move highlights the emphasis on preventive maintenance and strict compliance with aircraft safety protocols, particularly for critical backup systems like the RAT.
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