Air India sacks trainer pilot for lapses; action comes after probing whistleblower allegations

Air India terminates trainer pilot and grounds 10 trainees after whistleblower complaint, citing lapses during simulator training.

Air India has terminated the services of a trainer pilot following a whistleblower complaint regarding lapses during simulator training and grounded 10 of his under trainees.

“A whistleblower alleged that a simulator trainer pilot had failed to properly discharge his duties during recurrent simulator training for pilots. A detailed investigation was conducted and, following a review of the evidence, the allegation was corroborated,” the airline said in a statement.

According to airline sources, the trainer pilot whose services have been terminated used to impart training for Boeing 787 aircraft. It is alleged that he had misrepresented the number of hours for which simulator training was carried out at least in one instance.

Ten pilots who underwent recurrent training under the trainer pilot have been removed from flying duties pending further investigation.

The airline said that it has voluntarily reported the matter to the DGCA as part of its voluntary disclosure practice.

Air India said that its apex ethics committee has terminated the services of more than 30 Air India employees for various ethical breaches, with numerous others receiving other disciplinary action.