7 IndiGo Pilots Under DGCA Probe For 'Abusing' On Emergency Frequency: Report

On April 9, these pilots were reportedly caught using inappropriate language on the 121.5 MHz frequency, which is solely used for emergency communications for planes in difficulty.

Representational Image. (Source: Getty Images)

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe against seven IndiGo pilots after they were allegedly found using offensive language over salary issues on a frequency used for emergency communications, PTI reported.

On April 9, these pilots were reportedly caught using inappropriate language over low salaries on the 121.5 MHz frequency, which is solely used for emergency communications when an aircraft is in distress.

According to sources quoted by PTI, IndiGo is yet to comment on the situation. The frequency 121.5 MHz, which is used for emergency communications, has to be compulsorily monitored by the air traffic controllers who are in the vicinity of the aircraft.

For air-to-air communication among the pilots of different aircraft, 123.45 MHz frequency is used. This is, however, not monitored by the air traffic controllers.

Recently, IndiGo suspended a few pilots who were planning to hold a strike on April 5 against the pay cuts effected during the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the peak of the epidemic, the airline had cut the salaries of its pilots by as much as 30 per cent.

IndiGo said on April 1 that it would increase the salaries of the pilots by 8 per cent, saying another 6.5 per cent hike would be implemented in November in case there are no disruptions.

(With Inputs From PTI)