In response to two recent aircraft crash-landing incidents, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended RedBird Flight Training Academy’s authorization for maintenance.
A comprehensive maintenance audit was conducted at RedBird‘s main base in Baramati, Maharashtra, and its sub-bases in Seoni, Madhya Pradesh; Kalburgi and Belgavi in Karnataka; and Lilabari, Assam. The audit identified deficiencies in personnel training, maintenance schedules, record-keeping, internal audits, tool and store management, and fuel storage and handling.
Enforcement Action and Show Cause Notice
After two separate crash-landing incidents within a week in October, DGCA suspended RedBird Flight Training Academy’s operations across all its bases, prompting a thorough investigation.
DGCA initiated an enforcement action against the training academy and issued a show cause notice, prompting RedBird to address the identified issues.
Failure to Adhere to Safety Regulations
Upon reviewing RedBird’s corrective actions, DGCA found a lack of continuous adherence to the Aircraft Rules, 1937, and Civil Aviation Requirements, compromising the proper maintenance of aircraft to ensure ongoing safe operations.
As a consequence, DGCA is undertaking a fresh recertification of the maintenance organization and continuous airworthiness management of RedBird Flight Training Academy Pvt. Ltd.
In the two crash-landing incidents on October 19 and October 22, the crew suffered minor injuries. RedBird, which operates a fleet of 30 aircraft, including single and twin-engine planes, is now undergoing a rigorous recertification process to ensure safety compliance.
