Only pilots with 1,000 flying hrs to man Boeing 737 MAX

Amid global concerns over Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes after the death of 157 people in the Ethiopia crash, aviation regulator DGCA on Monday said only pilots with 1,000 flying hours should command Boeing 737 Max 8. The direction was among the safety measures issued by teh aviation watchdog for Indian carriers using the aircraft.

In a huge blow to the aerospace company, Ethiopia, China, and Indonesia grounded all Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft. In the US, Boeing’s stock fell as much as 7 per cent.

“The issue has been reviewed in DGCA today along with the Indian operators covering all reported snags/ defects of significant nature along with rectification action(s) taken on these aircraft,” said the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Citing reports on defects and incidents, DGCA said there was no “significant concern” and that it will continue to closely monitor the situation and may take measures based on the information received from accident investigation agencies or Boeing.

The watchdog has asked the airlines to ensure that no B737 8 MAX aircraft in their fleet is operated without compliance with its latest directions that came into effect from 1200 hours on Monday. Earlier, it had come out with safety guidelines after 189 passengers were killed in a Lion Air plane crash in Indonesia two months ago.

While DGCA is expected to bring out more safety guidelines, its chief BS Bhullar did not respond to text messages from DNA seeking comments on the issue.

Jet Airways in a statement on Monday said, “Jet Airways is deeply saddened by the unfortunate accident involving a B737 MAX aircraft of Ethiopian Airways.

“Jet Airways has five B737 MAX in its fleet but is currently not flying any of these aircraft. The airline is in contact with the manufacturer (Boeing) and the regulator (DGCA) in context of this development, and remains committed to implementing all directives or advisories that may be published by those authorized.” Spicejet didn’t offer a comment.

Boeing in a statement issued on Sunday had said, “Boeing is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the passengers and crew on Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, a 737 MAX 8 airplane. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of the passengers and crew on board and stand ready to support the Ethiopian Airlines team. A Boeing technical team will be travelling to the crash site to provide technical assistance under the direction of the Ethiopia Accident Investigation Bureau and U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.”