Incorrect diagnosis of defects and lack of manpower to certify aircraft as fit are among the key causes identified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation ( DGCA) for the spurt in snags being reported by local airlines in recent weeks. Engine flameouts, aileron shutdowns, bird hits, hydraulics malfunction, faulty undercarriage deployment etc. have become par for the course which is worrisome. Several spot checks have been conducted by the Indian aviation authorities in the recent past to mend things but matters seem to be far from resolved. The bleeding air carriers with red on their balance sheets are packing in maximum number of flights with minimum turnaround time and resort to compromised safety measures to cut losses. The exponential rise in cost of aviation fuel, dry/ wet lease rentals, airport layover charges, MRO ( maintenance, repair and overhaul) payouts, outsourced baggage handling etc. is not helping either ; as it is the airline industry works on wafer thin profits. Flyers are in for anxious, harrowing times ahead unless the civil aviation ministry cracks the whip.
