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The regulator has given 15 days to the AME to reply, they said.
This comes weeks after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation imposed a fine of ₹30 lakh on the Rakesh Jhunjhunwala family-invested airline for certain lapses in pilot training, following a spot audit in May and a subsequent show-cause notice issued in August.
“During the spot check by this office on 30.08.2024 at KIAL airport, Bangalore it was observed that the right-hand nose wheel tire pressure indicator system sensor on aircraft VT-YAY was re-installed by certifying staff…. He had failed to do the positive locking of the system’s sensor…,” the DGCA said in the show cause notice, dated December 9.
Stating that the Akasa AME has violated and not complied with certain provisions of civil aviation requirement 145, the DGCA said they occurred due to poor maintenance standards and certification by the said AME.
“Now, therefore certifying staff is hereby called upon to show cause as to why suitable action should not be initiated against him,” the regulator said in the notice.
Responding to CNBC-TV18’s query on the DGCA’s notice, Akasa Air Spokesperson said the DGCA has conducted multiple routine audits on the Akasa Air M&E department. On one of these audits, the DGCA raised certain findings for which they have issued a notice for clarification, the airline said.
“We are working closely with the DGCA to clarify this issue and enhance our protocols as required by the regulator,” Akasa Air said.
The airline emphasised that it prioritises safety and continuously strives to pursue the highest standards of safety.
Safety is of utmost importance, and we continuously strive to pursue the highest standards of safety.”
It may also be mentioned here that a group of its pilots last week wrote to the Civil Aviation Minister demanding an independent investigation into the company’s management practice, training methods and safety standards, alleging unfair training practices, harassment, and safety concerns.
The airline has, however, categorically denied these allegations.
(Edited by : Ajay Vaishnav)
