Aviation experts on Friday, 2 October called for stronger evaluation mechanisms and rigorous background checks for pilots trained in India and subsequently employed by foreign carriers, warning that the industry must continually reassess cockpit security protocols to address evolving risks.

Regulatory Gap at the Heart of the Debate

Expert Arvind Singhatiya pointed to a key jurisdictional limitation: the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) does not hold direct regulatory authority over pilots once they are employed by airlines operating outside India. In such scenarios, he explained, monitoring, assessment, and regulatory compliance fall squarely on the aviation authority of the country where the airline is registered.

Despite this gap, Singhatiya stressed that pilots who receive their training in India must be subjected to stringent screening, licensing, and evaluation processes before accepting international assignments. Drawing a comparison with international driving permits, he argued that aviation professionals engaged in global flight operations should be held to the highest standards of safety, competence, and professional assessment.

Cockpit Security Under Scrutiny

On the question of cockpit security, Singhatiya noted that existing aviation protocols already mandate the presence of at least two individuals in the cockpit at all times. Under current procedures, if a pilot temporarily exits the cockpit, a cabin crew member is required to remain inside until the pilot returns.

However, he cautioned that aviation authorities may need to revisit and strengthen existing safeguards in situations where a potential threat originates from within the cockpit itself — a scenario that current two-person rules are not fully designed to counter.

Praise for Captain Smit Machhar and PM Modi's Gesture

Referring to a recent aviation incident, Singhatiya praised Captain Smit Machhar for displaying exceptional courage during a crisis, saying the pilot risked his own life while taking decisive action that reportedly helped ensure the safety of nearly 170 passengers on board.

Singhatiya also welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal interaction with Captain Machhar, calling it a motivating gesture for the broader aviation community. He said the Prime Minister's decision to personally acknowledge the pilot's bravery — despite a demanding schedule — sends a positive signal across the sector and boosts the morale of aviation professionals nationwide.

Ministry Outlines Four-Pillar Reform Framework

Separately, the Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that recent reforms to India's aviation security regulatory framework are aimed at making processes simpler, more transparent, and accountable, without compromising safety standards. According to the ministry, Civil Aviation Secretary Sameer Kumar Sinha and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) Director General Rajesh Nirwan recently outlined a reform agenda anchored on four key principles: simplification, accountability, transparency, and trust.

This comes amid growing scrutiny of cockpit safety globally, with regulators in multiple countries re-examining crew evaluation frameworks following a series of high-profile incidents in recent years. How effectively India's training ecosystem aligns with international screening standards will shape the country's standing as a major supplier of aviation talent worldwide.