Role of DGCA in Promotion and Regulation of Civil Aviation in India : a critical analysis Presented

by: Abhay SinghPG21602

Chapter 1: Introduction

Increase in aviation demand due to participation of middle class population Presently at 9th spot but anticipated that industry will be third largest market by 2020 and the top market by 2030 MoCA creates regulatory policies and DGCA is principle regulatory Authority.DGCA established in 1924, directorate took office in 1927, in 1945 reorganized for 1st time Directorate became Director GeneralEstablished for regulating air transportation and aviation safety

Research Questions

Whether the DGCA has failed to adequately work for the promotion and regulation of civil aviation? Whether the proposed replacement of DGCA by the CAA could positively influence the civil aviation sector in India?

Chapter 2: Functions of DGCA

Safety Functions

Regulation of Air Transportation

Promotion of Civil Aviation.

Chapter 3: Failure of DGCA in Promotion and Regulation of Civil Aviation

Dramatic growth since 2003/04 Still Industry remains relatively small

Country Population Domestic Traffic

Trips perCapita

GDP percapita

Australia 21 million 50 million 2.38 $38,100

USA 307 million 650 million 2.12 $46,900

Malaysia 26 million 14 million 0.54 $15,200

Brazil 199 million 50 million 0.25 $10,200

China 1,339 million 198 million 0.15 $6,000

India 1,166 million 44 million 0.04 $2,900

Source: CAPA India Report on Addressing the Skills Shortage in Indian Aviation.

Dramatic growth since 2003/04

ICAO safety audit 2006: 70 findings alleging lack of structured civil aviation organization, shortage of trained staff and ineffective mechanism to resolve safety concerns

ICAO safety audit 2013: Below global average in Air Navigation Services and Organization

FAA audit 2014: Downgraded India from Category 1 to Category 2

FAA in 2015: Restored India back from Category 2 to Category 1

Reason For Downgrading

ICAO norms and DGCA’s own standards Improper Documentation Recruitment Methodology No. of Type-Rated Operations Inspectors and training of AOP holders Training for Airworthiness Officers

Reason for Upgrading

Abiding ICAO norms and DGCA’s own standards Documentation Completed Recruitment Methodology 75 Position for FOI approved, 56 appointments already made Training Plan Initiated

Upgradation: Positive development but not a milestone. Unchecked Problems of DGCA: Poor Regulation; Monopoly of Private airlines; Lack of Spare parts; No Policy for training officials

Chapter 4: Restructurisation or Replacement of the DGCA

Airworthiness Directorate not transferred to Directorate of Aerodrome Safety, Directorate of Air Safety and the R&D Directorate etcAircraft Rules, 1937 and Aircraft Act 1937: Ancient acts S.O. 726 and S.O. 727 of Aircraft Rules, 1937: DGCA power to exclude provisions.Regulations defeating competition.DGCAs infrastructure need Upgradation No effective Policy: Proposed DGCA replacement with CAA ruled out; National Policy of Civil Aviation 2016 proposed

Chapter 5: Conclusion and Suggestions

There should be efforts for providing adequate training to DGCA officials Enacting appropriate policy and setting up reorganization of DGCA to manage the growing civil aviation demand Points should be taken from developed European and American aviation organizations. Aviation sector should be treated as an instrument for creation of Jobs and economic growth