A government investigation has revealed that several Indian pilots are operating with fake permits
LONDON (TrustLaw) – A government investigation into corruption in the Indian aviation industry has revealed that several Indian pilots are operating with fake permits, the Washington Post reported.
So far, 29 airline pilots have lost their licenses and 14 have been arrested after an audit of flying schools and a careful examination of pilot files brought the issue to light.
The graft investigation was ordered in January after one of the pilots, Parminder Kaur Gulati, landed a large passenger plane on its nose wheel. It was found that Gulati had forged the exam results that allowed her to become a pilot.
“It is worrying that people could get away with it for so long,” said E.K. Bharat Bhushan, India’s director general of civil aviation, showing files of fraudulent grade sheets. “These look so real. It really shakes you,” he told the Washington Post.
The pilots who have been found with fake permits represent the tip of the iceberg, a senior pilot at the government-owned Air India said.
“Flying hours cannot be fudged without the active connivance of aerodrome officials, aviation suppliers, flying instructors and government officials,” he said. “The rot affects the entire system – from top to bottom.”
As a result of the investigation, the government is looking at ways to make the process of becoming a pilot more transparent. A report is expected by the end of the month which will outline the new standards.
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