pilot training Archives - Page 5 of 7

Alberton, South Africa: A routine training flight turned into a near-tragedy on Sunday afternoon when a light aircraft crashed into the tuckshop of Hoërskool Alberton in the City of Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. Both the student pilot and the instructor miraculously escaped without injuries, while no learners or staff at the school were harmed. The aircraft experienced engine failure during a final evaluation flight for a private pilot licence. The instructor attempted an emergency landing on the school’s rugby field, but the plane veered off and struck the school’s tuckshop. Images from the scene showed extensive damage to the small building, with firefighters and emergency responders quickly arriving to secure the crash site. The City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services confirmed that no fire broke out after impact, and both occupants were able to walk away from the wreckage. Eyewitnesses reported hearing the sound of a struggling engine moments before the aircraft went down. “We heard the engine sputter, then a loud thud. It was terrifying,” said a resident living near the school. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has opened an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the reported power loss and assess whether any mechanical or procedural failures contributed to the crash. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said the accident will not disrupt ongoing matric examinations. "We are relieved that there were no casualties. Classes and exams will continue as planned," the department said in a statement. Aviation experts say the outcome was “nothing short of a miracle,” crediting the instructor’s quick decision-making for preventing a greater tragedy in a densely populated area. The aircraft type, registration number, and operator have not yet been disclosed by authorities pending the official SACAA preliminary report. Recent Light Aircraft Crashes in Africa 2025 16 October 2025: Two light aircraft crashed in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands region (Howick / Nottingham Road); two pilots died. 13 October 2025: 20-year-old Indian pilot trainee Piyush Pushp died during a solo training flight at Johannesburg in Vulcan Aviation Academy in South Africa. 14 August 2025: A light aerobatic aircraft (Extra 300, registration ZS-AEC) crashed into the sea off Durban North Beach during an airshow; pilot killed (body later found). 7 August 2025: A light aircraft operated by AMREF Flying Doctors (Cessna 560XL) crashed in Mwihoko estate, Kiambu County, Kenya; six people killed (four onboard + two on the ground). 9 June 2025: In KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, a light aircraft crashed near Greytown during a training flight; three people on board died. 18 May 2025: A light aircraft (Rans S10 Sakota, registration ZS-WXE) crashed shortly after take-off at Middelburg Airfield, Mpumalanga, South Africa; two people died (the pilot and passenger).

Student Pilot & Instructor Survive After Engine Failure Crash At Hoërskool Alberton

Aviation Today News Desk / October 27, 2025

Alberton, South Africa: A routine training flight turned into a near-tragedy on Sunday afternoon when a light aircraft crashed into […]

Bangalore, India: In a major milestone for India’s indigenous defence manufacturing, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) successfully carried out the maiden flight of the first series-production HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft (tail number TH-4001) from its Bengaluru facility on Friday. The aircraft, built under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, marks the transition of the HTT-40 programme from development to full-scale production. According to HAL, the flight lasted approximately 40 minutes and validated the aircraft’s performance parameters, flight controls, and avionics systems. “This achievement reflects our capability to design, develop, test, and now produce a world-class basic trainer entirely within India,” said HAL Chairman and Managing Director C.B. Ananthakrishnan. “The HTT-40 will soon play a key role in shaping the next generation of Indian Air Force pilots.” The HTT-40 (Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40) is a tandem-seat, fully aerobatic turboprop aircraft designed for ab-initio pilot training. The trainer can perform a range of operations including basic flying, aerobatics, instrument training, and night sorties. Unlike earlier prototypes, the newly flown TH-4001 represents a production-standard version that will lead HAL’s delivery commitments to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The aircraft is powered by a Honeywell TPE331-12B turboprop engine and features a modern glass cockpit, zero-zero ejection seats, hot refuelling capability, and advanced avionics such as VOR/ILS, TACAN, and IFF. HAL officials confirmed that the indigenous content of the HTT-40 currently stands at around 56%, with plans to push it beyond 60% as local suppliers scale up production. The Indian Air Force has placed an order for 70 HTT-40 aircraft, valued at approximately ₹6,800 crore. Deliveries were initially targeted for late 2025 but were delayed due to supply chain constraints, particularly the delayed shipment of Honeywell engines. HAL now expects the first batch of production aircraft to be delivered to the IAF by February 2026, after completion of flight certification and quality assurance trials. A second production line at HAL’s Nashik division has also been inaugurated to accelerate output and meet the IAF’s requirements. The HTT-40 will replace the ageing HPT-32 Deepak trainers that were grounded in 2009 following safety issues. With its modern systems and improved safety standards, the aircraft will serve as the backbone of the IAF’s basic flight training programme, bridging a crucial capability gap in pilot induction.

Military Aviation

HAL’s HTT-40 Enters Production To Boost Indian Air Force Pilot Training Capability

Aviation Today News Desk / October 25, 2025

Bangalore, India: In a major milestone for India’s indigenous defence manufacturing, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) successfully carried out the maiden

London, United Kingdom: On October 12, 2025, a DHL-operated Airbus A300 (registration D-AEAG) suffering a tailstrike during a go-around at London Heathrow Airport on October 12, 2025, has garnered significant attention. Flight QY2212 from Leipzig was attempting to land on Runway 09L when the aircraft experienced a tailstrike. Despite deploying thrust reversers and spoilers, the pilots initiated a go-around, a maneuver that typically requires the reversal of these systems. The aircraft then climbed to 4,500 feet and safely landed on Runway 09R approximately 17 minutes later. Some experts speculate that improper cargo loading or shifting could have contributed to the instability during landing. Others point to pilot-induced factors, noting the significant nose-up inputs observed during the approach. A video capturing the incident has been widely shared, providing visual insight into the aircraft's approach and subsequent go-around. The footage has sparked discussions about the appropriateness of the go-around decision given the deployment of reverse thrust and spoilers. While the aircraft landed safely, the incident has prompted a review of the procedures and decisions made during the approach and go-around phases. Further investigations may provide more clarity on the factors leading to this unusual incident.

Incidents

DHL A300 Suffers Tail Strike, Executes Go-Around And Lands Safely At London Heathrow

Aviation Today News Desk / October 13, 2025

London, United Kingdom: On October 12, 2025, a DHL-operated Airbus A300 (registration D-AEAG) suffering a tail strike during a go-around

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a fine of ₹20 lakh on IndiGo, India’s largest airline, for alleged lapses in its pilot training programme. The regulator found that the airline had used unqualified flight simulators to train pilots operating flights to Category C aerodromes, which are considered challenging due to terrain and approach conditions. According to the filing, the alleged non-compliance relates to the airline’s “failure to use qualified simulators for pilot training at Category C aerodromes.” These airports include Calicut, Mangaluru, Srinagar, Port Blair, Leh, Aizawl, Shimla, and international locations such as Kabul and Kathmandu. Aviation experts said that Category C airports require pilots to undergo specific simulator training replicating the topography and terrain of those airfields. “A qualified simulator must realistically depict the local geography, altitude, and approach pattern. Using a generic simulator can affect pilot readiness for critical airports like Leh or Calicut,” said Captain Anil S. Rao, President of the All India Pilots Association, in comments to The New Indian Express. In its statement, IndiGo said the fine would have no material impact on its operations and that it would contest the DGCA order before the appropriate appellate authority. “We remain committed to maintaining the highest training standards and operational safety,” the airline said. The DGCA’s order, dated September 26, 2025, stated that IndiGo failed to comply with simulator certification standards while conducting recurrent training for pilots assigned to operate at high-risk airports. The penalty was disclosed by IndiGo’s parent company, InterGlobe Aviation, in its filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The DGCA had earlier issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo on August 11, 2025, for using unapproved Airbus A320 Full Flight Simulators in pilot training. These simulators were reportedly used for critical training functions such as type rating, recurrent training, and proficiency checks without securing the necessary regulatory approval. The DGCA gave IndiGo seven days to respond, warning that failure to do so could have led to enforcement actions, including potential suspension of related training approvals. IndiGo acknowledged the notice and temporarily withdrew the identified simulators pending regulatory clearance. The airline cooperated with the DGCA to ensure all training devices met the required standards.

Airlines

DGCA Fines IndiGo ₹40 Lakh For Pilot Simulator Training Lapses At Category C Airports

Aviation Today News Desk / October 9, 2025

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a fine of ₹40 lakh on IndiGo, India’s

Helicopter Crash

Man Dead & 19-Year Old Critically Injured After Fatal Helicopter Crash at Bankstown

Aviation Today News Desk / October 3, 2025

Sydney, Australia: A fatal helicopter crash occurred at Bankstown Airport in Sydney’s south-west on Friday, when the helicopter Crashed into

Montreal, Canada: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) concluded its 42nd General Assembly in Montreal with significant decisions impacting global aviation policies. According to Bloomberg Government, delegates at the 42nd ICAO General Assembly voted to maintain the current mandatory retirement age for airline pilots at 65, rejecting the proposal to extend it to 67. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) had advocated for raising the pilot retirement age to 67, arguing that the two-year extension would alleviate pilot staffing shortages without compromising safety. The proposal is supported by examples from countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where there are no strict upper age limits for pilots. IATA emphasized that raising the pilot retirement age aligns with ICAO’s efforts to standardize medical assessments, advocating for consistent oversight to ensure older pilots remain fit to fly. The move also supports broader aviation workforce goals, including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and ICAO’s Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Programme, by helping retain experienced pilots and maintain a steady supply of qualified aviation personnel. However, the proposal faced opposition from pilot unions, including the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which raised concerns about potential health and cognitive risks associated with older pilots. As a result, ICAO delegates voted to retain the existing age limit.

Pilots

ICAO Retains Pilot Retirement Age at 65, Rejects Proposal to Extend to 67

Aviation Today News Desk / October 2, 2025

Montreal, Canada: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) concluded its 42nd General Assembly in Montreal with significant decisions impacting global

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has unveiled a formal ranking framework for all DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisations (FTOs), which will come into effect from 1 October 2025. The new system, published in a public notice on 30 September, will be released bi-annually, with the next edition scheduled for 1 April 2026. Designed around a points-based evaluation, the framework measures FTOs on five core parameters: performance, operational strength, safety, compliance, and student support. Rankings Of Flying Training Organizations: Category A+ No FTOs featured in this category. Category A No FTOs featured in this category. Category B Chimes Aviation Academy SVKM’s NMIMS Academy of Aviation Shirpur Bihar Flying Club Orient Flights Aviation Academy Skynex Aero Pvt. Ltd. FSTC Flying School Pvt. Ltd. Patiala Aviation Club Haryana Institute of Civil Aviation Jet Serve Aviation Pvt. Ltd. Nagpur Flying Club National Flying Training Institute Banasthali Vidyapith Gliding and Flying Club Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology Category C Dunes Aviation Academy Garg Aviations Ltd. The Bombay Flying Club Chetak Aviation Ekvi Air Training Organisation Pvt. Ltd. Academy of Carver Aviation Pvt. Ltd. Ambitions Flying Club Pvt. Ltd. Flytech Aviation Academy Indian Flying Academy Sha-Shib Flying Academy Government Aviation Training Institute Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) Redbird Flight Training Academy Telangana State Aviation Academy Alchemist Aviation Private Limited Falcon Aviation Academy Wings Aviation Pvt. Ltd. Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy Limited The Gujarat Flying Club The Madhya Pradesh Flying Club Ltd. Pioneer Flying Academy Pvt. Ltd. Blue Ray Aviation Pvt. Ltd. The inaugural ranking covers the period from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025 and applies to all FTOs that had completed at least 18 months of approval by the cut-off date. Even training institutes that faced temporary suspensions during this period have been included. The grading system is divided into four categories: A+ (85% and above), A (70%–84%), B (50%–69%), and C (below 50%). Those in Category C will be issued notices by the regulator, requiring them to conduct self-assessment and take corrective measures. Majority of Flight Schools in Category C Raises Concerns The inaugural results reveal a concerning scenario: no FTO achieved an A+ or A grade, while the majority of flight schools were placed in Category C. Only a few institutions managed to secure Category B. The DGCA’s inaugural FTO rankings have raised serious concerns for the future of pilot training in India. With most flying schools underperforming and the majority falling into Category C, the country risks producing pilots who may not be fully prepared for next-generation aircraft, eVTOLs, and advanced aviation technologies. Low scores in safety, operational efficiency, and compliance further raise the possibility of heightened risks in training operations, potentially affecting commercial aviation standards in the future. As India’s aviation sector expands rapidly, failing to improve FTO performance could lead to a significant pilot shortfall, challenging both domestic and international airline growth. DGCA Introduced FTO Ranking System Earlier in March, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced its plan to introduce a ranking system for Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) in India. The proposed framework aims to evaluate flight schools based on multiple performance metrics, including the average time students take to obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). This move comes amid rapid growth in India’s aviation sector, which has heightened demand for skilled pilots. Later in July 2025, following its March announcement, the DGCA moved forward with implementing the FTO ranking system that will be effective from 1st October 2025 and will evaluate FTOs on infrastructure, safety, operational performance, and student support, categorizing them into A++, A+, A, or B grades. FTOs in Category B will be required to undertake self-assessment and improvement measures. The move also follows concerns over flight training accidents this year, stressing on the need for stricter oversight and safety standards. Key Metrics Behind India’s FTO Ranking System DGCA explained that the scoring is distributed across key pillars: 20% for FTO performance, 40% for operational aspects, 20% for safety standards, 10% for compliance, and 10% for student assistance. Performance indicators include the average time for trainees to complete 175 flying hours, aircraft utilization, and course completion rates. Operational strength focuses on student-to-aircraft and student-to-instructor ratios, fleet capacity, maintenance resources, and availability of simulators and ground training. Safety remains a critical factor, with accidents or serious incidents resulting in zero marks for that parameter. Non-reporting of incidents will invite a penalty of five marks for each unreported case. The framework also incorporates compliance monitoring and student welfare. Institutions are expected to maintain transparent grievance redressal systems, offer financial or placement support, and ensure clarity in fee structures and refunds. By formalizing this ranking system, DGCA aims to drive accountability, strengthen safety culture, and raise training standards in India’s pilot pipeline. DGCA Ranking Phase Excludes Certain Flight Schools Exclusions from the current phase includes Avyanna Aviation Academy, Vision Flying Training Institute, Aviation Connectivity Infrastructure Developers Pvt. Ltd. and Jharkhand Flying Institute these were not ranked as it had not completed 18 months of approval as on 31 August 2025 and Government Flying Training School, the approval not valid as on 31 August 2025. The launch of the ranking framework marks the first structured performance assessment of flying schools in India. By giving significant weight to safety and transparency, DGCA aims to instill stronger accountability and improve the overall quality of pilot training. Category C institutions, which represent a majority in this inaugural list, will come under immediate regulatory scrutiny and are expected to demonstrate corrective action before the next cycle of rankings in April 2026.

Flight School

22 of 35 Flying Schools in Category C, None in A or A+ in DGCA’s First Rankings

Aviation Today News Desk / October 1, 2025

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has unveiled a formal ranking framework for all DGCA-approved Flying

Washington, United States: The family of a passenger killed in January’s midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has filed the first federal lawsuit over the disaster, naming American Airlines, its regional affiliate PSA Airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the U.S. Army as defendants. The complaint, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court, comes from Rachel Crafton, whose husband, Casey Crafton, was among the 67 people killed when American Eagle Flight 5342 collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on January 29. The crash, which occurred at low altitude just half a mile from the runway, killed all 64 people aboard the Embraer E175 regional jet and all three Army crew members on the helicopter. Crafton’s lawsuit accuses the defendants of negligence and wrongful death, arguing that the tragedy was both predictable and preventable. The 115-page filing cites more than 30 documented near misses in the crowded D.C. airspace that, according to the suit, were ignored by regulators and operators. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) preliminary findings indicate insufficient vertical separation, estimated at just 75 feet, and highlight a history of over 15,000 near-misses between aircraft and helicopters in the area from 2021 to 2024, many occurring at night or above designated altitudes. The NTSB has recommended that the FAA restrict helicopter operations near DCA during active runway use and designate safer routes to prevent future collisions. The full investigation is ongoing, with a final report expected in 2026. “The defendants utterly failed in their responsibilities to protect passengers, crew, and the public,” the complaint alleges. It further faults American and PSA for inadequate pilot training, the FAA for failing to redesign or better monitor congested flight paths into Reagan National, and the Army for not preventing its aircraft from entering civilian approach corridors. The suit also highlights alleged air traffic control failures, including the absence of timely safety alerts that could have helped avoid the collision. This federal filing follows earlier Federal Tort Claims Act notices submitted by Crafton in February, seeking $250 million in damages from the FAA and the Army. Those claims are a legal prerequisite to suing the U.S. government, which typically enjoys sovereign immunity unless exceptions apply. The FAA responded with a statement of condolences, noting that it had “acted decisively” since the crash to improve safety over the capital region and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation. The Army declined to comment, citing the active investigation, but said it remains focused on supporting victims’ families. American Airlines and PSA signaled they would defend themselves in court, pointing to their overall safety record. The Crafton case is expected to be a bellwether lawsuit, with other families of victims likely to join or file their own claims in the coming months. The NTSB’s final accident report, expected in 2026, will likely shape the scope of liability across all parties.

Investigation

Widow of Passenger Sues American Airlines, FAA, Army Over Deadly D.C. Collision

Aviation Today News Desk / September 25, 2025

Washington, United States: The family of a passenger killed in January’s midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has

Seaplane

India to Revive Seaplane Services with Fresh Routes and Relaxed Norms from October

Aviation Today News Desk / September 2, 2025

New Delhi, India: India’s Civil Aviation Ministry now plans to relaunch seaplane operations across at least two domestic routes by

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, after an inspection revealed that the carrier had been using certain pilot training simulators without securing the necessary regulatory approval. According to DGCA officials, routine surveillance and compliance checks found that a few Airbus A320 Full Flight Simulators at IndiGo’s training facility were not in line with the mandatory certification standards under Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) for pilot training. These simulators are used for crucial functions such as type rating, recurrent training, and proficiency checks, all of which are mandatory for maintaining a pilot’s operational license. “The operator has been asked to explain why these devices were used for training and assessment without approval. This is a serious compliance lapse,” a senior DGCA official said on condition of anonymity. The notice gives the airline a period of seven days to respond, failing which the regulator may initiate enforcement action, including possible suspension of related training approvals. IndiGo, in an emailed statement to The Economic Times, acknowledged receiving the notice and confirmed it had “temporarily withdrawn the use of the identified simulators pending regulatory clearance.” The airline added that it is “fully cooperating with the DGCA to ensure that all training devices meet the required technical and regulatory standards.” This is not the first time the DGCA has tightened oversight on simulator usage in India’s civil aviation sector. In March 2024, the regulator grounded a simulator at another training organization over discrepancies in calibration, highlighting its zero-tolerance stance on safety compliance. Industry experts note that any gaps in simulator certification can have downstream effects on pilot preparedness and, by extension, flight safety. The DGCA has yet to announce whether further sanctions will be imposed on IndiGo. For now, the matter remains under review pending the airline’s formal response.

Airlines

DGCA Flags IndiGo Over Unapproved Pilot Simulators, Issues Show-Cause Notice

Aviation Today News Desk / August 13, 2025

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo, India’s largest airline

pilot training

Student Pilot & Instructor Survive After Engine Failure Crash At Hoërskool Alberton

HAL’s HTT-40 Enters Production To Boost Indian Air Force Pilot Training Capability

DHL A300 Suffers Tail Strike, Executes Go-Around And Lands Safely At London Heathrow

DGCA Fines IndiGo ₹40 Lakh For Pilot Simulator Training Lapses At Category C Airports

Man Dead & 19-Year Old Critically Injured After Fatal Helicopter Crash at Bankstown

ICAO Retains Pilot Retirement Age at 65, Rejects Proposal to Extend to 67

22 of 35 Flying Schools in Category C, None in A or A+ in DGCA’s First Rankings

Widow of Passenger Sues American Airlines, FAA, Army Over Deadly D.C. Collision

DGCA Flags IndiGo Over Unapproved Pilot Simulators, Issues Show-Cause Notice

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