After several tail strikes on Airbus A321 planes, IndiGo makes modifications to its internal systems

2 Aug 2023 , 10:42 AM

An IndiGo Airbus A321Neo plane landed at Ahmedabad airport on June 15. While the trip was uneventful for the 230 passengers on board, the aircraft’s tail scraped the runway during landing. The airplane sustained significant damage and is currently grounded for maintenance work after 46 days.

The airline discovered that, despite entering data for a full flap landing on the aircraft control unit, the pilot actually deployed the flaps at a decreased angle, or in the Flap 3 position. Flaps are installed in an aircraft’s wings to create drag during a landing or take-off. A flap 3 landing, which uses three of the four flaps, produces less drag and so requires less thrust, lowering fuel consumption.

This was the airline’s fourth tail strike in six months. Examination of the other occurrences revealed either flaws in flying skill or pilots being shocked in a scenario where they had to abandon a close-to-the-ground landing. The DGCA, the aviation authority, reacted quickly with an audit. As a result of the audit, it issued a Rs 30 lakh punishment because the airline’s operations and training were deemed to be deficient.

While IndiGo stated that they are considering an appeal because there were no violations of protocols, papers reviewed by ET and discussions with people show that the airline has made major changes in the experiences required and the way its pilots operate the A321 aircraft since then. It has also eliminated processes that management thought put pilots under pressure to perform.

The A321 aircraft became popular among airlines because it allowed them to carry more people without investing in additional A320 pilot training. While the majority of the approaches for the A320 and A321 stay the same, the sorts of handling characteristics alter due to differences in dimensions and control rules.

However, IndiGo has now declared additional experience is required for A321 pilots. Pilots with 750 hours of experience will now be able to fly an A321 while rookie captains will only be able to fly the A320 for the first 50 hours. A pilot will need 100 hours as captain on the A321 to operate the A320 and A321 on the same day.

‘Training modifications have been implemented, and increasing cockpit experience is now required to operate the A321Neo aircraft.’ According to a top IndiGo official who talked to ET, ‘the fact that IndiGo operates an exponentially higher number of flights than others with a clean track record speaks volumes about its training.’

According to the DGCA investigation, given IndiGo’s rapid expansion, the airline should invest in additional training and best practices. ‘The airline produces nearly 30 captains per month.’ At that rate, the airline should invest in greater quality control and training for its own sake,’.

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