DGCA suspends Vistara VP over violations in pilot training

• DGCA suspends Vistara's VP for pilot training, Vikram Mohan Dayal, over training lapses
• The violation was over lapses in the conversion training of pilots
• At least 12 Vistara pilots failed to complete the third stage of training within specified timeframe

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) took action against Vistara's vice president for pilot training, Vikram Mohan Dayal, on Tuesday due to lapses in the conversion training of pilots, according to officials familiar with the matter.

One of the officials stated, "The VP–Training, Vikram Mohan Dayal, has been suspended and the airline has been asked to find a replacement."

Dayal was served a show cause notice by the DGCA regarding the violation. However, his response was deemed unsatisfactory, leading to his suspension. He was appointed to the post in May 2020.

The violation was over lapses in the conversion training of pilots, which involved preparing narrow-body pilots to fly wide-body aircraft. The conversion training comprises four stages: simulator training, skill tests, and the third stage, known as zero flight time training (ZFTT), which must be completed within 45 days after the skill test.

The DGCA discovered that at least 12 Vistara pilots failed to complete the third stage within the specified timeframe. Additionally, it was found that pilots trained on narrow-body (A320) family aircraft were undergoing conversion training for wide-body (B787) aircraft.

A response from the Vistara spokesperson is awaited.