Breaks Rules By Allowing A Guest To Ride Up Front

A pilot for India's Kingfisher Airlines who happens to be the head of the carriers' pilot training program recently allowed a woman to ride in the cockpit of his airplane during a flight from Delhi to Mumbai. Kingfisher management says the incident is under investigation.

The Times of India reports that the pilot, who was unnamed, told the cabin crew that if they were uncomfortable with his guest in the cockpit, they should stay away during the August 19th flight. That is a serious breach of rules, according to a source who wished to remain anonymous. Indian aviation regulations state that if one cockpit crew member has to leave the flight deck for any reason, another crew member is required to be there until the pilot or co-pilot returns. The rules have been in effect since 9/11.

Just taking the woman into the cockpit was a serious violation of the rules, the source said.

The Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation has ordered an investigation into the matter. The DGCA is also conducting an overall safety audit of Kingfisher Airlines, which is reportedly struggling financially.

FMI: http://dgca.nic.in/