DGCA Revises Norms For Inclement Weather: Cross-Check Visuals, Avoid Thunderstorms, Consider Diversions Early

DGCA also directed pilots to cross-check visual cues with instruments during night operations, heavy rainfall, or landings on wet runways in order to avoid misjudgments caused by visual illusions.

DGCA revised operational guidelines for flight operators during adverse weather conditions amid rising concerns over climate-induced operational challenges

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Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has revised its operational guidelines for flight operators during adverse weather conditions, stressing that pilots must prioritise safety over "schedule adherence".

In its latest circular to scheduled and non-scheduled operators, the DGCA encouraged flight captains to divert flights in unpredictable conditions such as deteriorating weather. The directive comes amid rising concerns over climate-induced operational challenges, recent turbulence incidents involving commercial flights, and helicopter crashes in the Kedarnath region.

The regulator also directed pilots to cross-check visual cues with instruments during night operations, heavy rainfall, or landings on wet runways in order to avoid misjudgments caused by visual illusions.

DGCA cited the impact of climate change on operational unpredictability and advised flight crew to ensure heightened vigilance, "with an emphasis on safety taking precedence over schedule adherence".

"Captains are encouraged to initiate diversions or air-turn-backs, as required by prevailing conditions," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement on Sunday.

DGCA Encourages Continuous Communication During Turbulence

The circular specifically addresses flight risks like severe turbulence, windshear, icing, thunderstorms, and sudden visibility loss, laying out clear parameters for when diversions or rerouting should be prioritised.

Highlighting proactive planning, DGCA advised operators and pilots to adopt a conservative approach to decision-making and have weather avoidance planning in place.

DGCA recommended that pilots initiate route deviations early, maintaining at least a 20-nautical-mile buffer from thunderstorm cells. Additionally, flying beneath thunderstorm clouds, which is linked with risks like windshear, hail, and lightning, has been strongly discouraged.

"Pilots are encouraged to plan deviations early and maintain a minimum 20 NM (Nautical Miles) upwind distance from convective activity. Flying beneath thunderstorm clouds is discouraged due to the elevated risk of windshear, lightning, and hail," the statement said.

Furthermore, the operators are advised to ensure continuous communication with passengers, cabin crew, and Air Traffic Control (ATC) during turbulent conditions.

"This includes timely briefings, advance passenger announcements, and turbulence reporting to ATC to support better coordination and situational awareness," the statement noted.

New Focus On Ice Crystal Icing And Scenario-Based Training

For the first time, the DGCA has also included guidance on Ice Crystal Icing, a lesser-known but potentially dangerous phenomenon related to high-altitude convective  weather systems. Pilots are urged to navigate around such zones laterally instead of climbing or descending through them in line with international safety standards.

The regulator has also recommended that airlines incorporate scenario-based training modules addressing adverse weather decision-making, along with the application of Threat and Error Management (TEM) techniques.

"The revised circular remains applicable to all scheduled and non-scheduled operators, as well as all flight crew operating during the pre-monsoon, monsoon, adverse weather and periods of turbulence," DGCA said. 

(With inputs from news agency PTI.)