Flying Into The Future: Lessons From The Air India Flight 171 Investigation!

By Gurmukh Singh Bawa

First Things First: A Few days back, I saw the picture of the tragic aircraft’s tail being towed away in the open, and a fresh wave of emotions washed over me. The memories of the Air India Flight 171 crash, which occurred on June 12, came flooding back. The loss of 241 lives left an indelible mark on our collective memory, and it is essential to remember the circumstances surrounding the crash.  The investigation into the crash, as highlighted in the “Fuel Switch Focus” article in The Hindustan Times dated July 10, is focusing on the movement of the engine fuel control switches. The analysis of the flight and voice data recorders has provided valuable insights, and the preliminary report is expected to be released soon. The “DGCA Ranking” article reminds us of the importance of safety standards and performance in the aviation industry. The ranking system, which comes into effect from October 1, will ensure that Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) are held accountable for their safety records.  Coming back to the image of the tail being transported in the open, as seen in the “Crash Report” photo, serves as a poignant reminder of the tragedy. It is a stark contrast to the relative silence that has followed the initial fervour and passion with which the crash was reported. The media’s short-lived memory is worth noting, and it is essential to keep the memories of the victims alive to ensure that they get justice!

As I continue to reflect on the events of the tragedy, I am reminded of the importance of ongoing reporting and investigation of sensitive matters, such as this Crash. By continuously linking these stories together, we can gain a deeper understanding of the circumstances surrounding the crash and the ongoing investigations, which might provide some better leads. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the memories of the victims are not forgotten and that we learn from the past to create a safer future for all.

The latest, the “Fuel Switch Focus” article, provides a detailed look at the investigation, while the “DGCA Ranking” article highlights the importance of safety standards. The “Crash Report” photo serves as a visual reminder of the tragedy, and it’s essential to continue reporting on the developments surrounding the crash. By doing so, we can ensure that the memories of the victims are not forgotten and that we learn from the past to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.  I am writing this article with this background and intent in mind, and I hope the readers will endorse it.

The Background: Following the pulse of my previous articles on aviation safety and sustainability, which have been widely shared and discussed in the public domain, several publishers have approached me to contribute to their magazines. Given the current relevance and importance of these topics, I am pleased to contribute this piece to Indian Aerospace & Defence, which explores the critical issues facing the aviation industry and potential solutions for a more sustainable future.  This introduction highlights my presence in the public domain and the interest generated by my friends and their established faith in my previous works. It also sets the pace and motivation for me to work on the current article, emphasizing its timeliness and relevance.  

Introduction: Sustainability in Aviation – A Call to Action

As we strive to make aviation more sustainable, it is essential to recognize that safety, efficiency, and innovation are intertwined. By prioritizing technical expertise in leadership, fostering a strong safety culture, and addressing systemic issues, we can create a more resilient and sustainable aviation industry.  The Path Forward – Sustainable aviation requires a multifaceted approach that balances safety, efficiency, and innovation. By working together to address the challenges and opportunities in the industry, we can ensure that aviation continues to thrive and connect people worldwide.  A Shared Vision – Let us strive for an aviation industry that is guided by technical expertise, driven by innovation, and committed to safety and sustainability. Together, we can create a future where aviation continues to inspire and connect humanity, while minimizing its environmental impact and maximizing its benefits for all.  With this much emphasis on the importance of sustainability in aviation, it highlights the need for a collaborative approach to achieving it; I will dwell on the eight to ten key points. These points are based on general trends and concerns reported in the media, on a time-to-time basis.

1. Technical Expertise is essential for effective leadership in the aviation industry. The following points highlight the concerns about the management structure of airlines and the need for more technical expertise in leadership positions. I hope this helps set the tone for the writing in this piece, which addresses the issue of safety.

1. Technical expertise in leadership:

–  Pilots and engineers have a deep understanding of the operational challenges and safety considerations that are critical to the success of an airline.

–  Having a technical expert in a leadership position can help ensure that decisions are informed by a thorough understanding of the aviation industry and its unique challenges.

–  When non-technical personnel dominate management positions, decisions may be driven more by bureaucratic considerations than by technical expertise.

–  This can lead to a culture where safety and operational efficiency are compromised in favour of administrative or financial goals.

1. Impact on safety culture:

–  A strong safety culture requires leadership that prioritizes safety above all else.

–  When technical experts are in leadership positions, they can foster a culture that values safety and encourages open reporting of safety concerns.

–  For Example, in the medical field, hospitals are typically led by experienced doctors who understand the complexities of patient care.

–  Similarly, in the tech industry, companies are often founded and led by technical experts who understand the intricacies of their products and services.

1. Potential benefits of technical leadership:

–  Having a pilot or engineer in a leadership position can help an airline make more informed decisions about safety, operations, and maintenance.

–  Technical experts can also help to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, driving efficiency and effectiveness in airline operations.

1.  Critics’ Overemphasis on Management:

–  Some critics argue that airlines have too many non-technical personnel in management positions, which can lead to decisions that prioritize profits over safety and operational efficiency.

–  The proliferation of non-technical personnel in airline management has raised concerns that the industry is becoming more focused on administrative tasks than on the core business of flying.

– As per critics, there have been instances where non-technical managers have made decisions that have compromised safety or operational efficiency, highlighting the need for more technical expertise in leadership positions.

–  Some have argued that professionals should lead airlines with a deep understanding of aviation, such as pilots or engineers, rather than non-technical managers.

–  Just as a hospital is typically headed by a doctor and a space research organization is led by a scientist, some argue that an airline should be headed by a pilot or someone with extensive aviation experience. The sole purpose of this idea is that professionals with technical expertise are better equipped to make decisions that prioritize safety and operational efficiency.

• Impact on safety and efficiency:

–  The overemphasis on non-technical personnel in management positions can lead to a lack of understanding of the operational challenges faced by pilots and engineers, which can compromise safety and efficiency.

–  Some have raised concerns that the current management structure of some airlines can lead to a culture of bureaucratic decision-making, rather than one that prioritizes safety and operational excellence.

• Safety, Regulatory and Other Concerns:

–  There have been reports of aircraft operating with faulty equipment, raising concerns about the effectiveness of maintenance procedures.

–  Some have questioned the adequacy of safety protocols, citing instances where procedures were not followed or were inadequate.

–  Regulators have faced criticism for failing to address systemic safety issues, with some arguing that this has contributed to a culture of complacency in the industry.

–  There have been calls for more stringent regulations and stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with safety standards.

–  Concerns have also been raised about the training and experience of some pilots, with some arguing that they may not be adequately prepared for specific situations.

–  Some have called for more comprehensive training programs and stricter qualification standards for pilots.

• Industry Pressures, including Crew Resourcing:

–  The aviation industry is highly competitive, and some have raised concerns that this can lead to pressure on airlines to cut corners on safety.

–  There have been reports of airlines prioritizing commercial interests over safety, with some pilots feeling pressured to fly despite concerns.

–  Effective crew resource management is critical to safety, but some have raised concerns that this is not always prioritized.

–  There have been instances where poor communication and teamwork among crew members have contributed to safety incidents.

 The points picked up from media reports strengthen the Issues and Concerns, such as –

1. Fatigue and workload: Pilots and crew members often face demanding schedules, long hours, and inadequate rest periods, which can impact their performance and safety.

2. Lack of transparency and accountability: Aviation professionals may feel that their concerns are not taken seriously or that they are not held accountable for safety issues.

3. Inadequate training and resources: Crew members and pilots might feel that they do not receive sufficient training or resources to perform their jobs safely and effectively.

4. Commercial pressures: Aviation professionals may feel pressured to prioritize commercial interests over safety, which can lead to compromised safety standards.

5. Mental health and well-being: The high-stress nature of aviation work can take a toll on mental health, and professionals may feel that their well-being is not prioritized.

As guardians of the industry, all those in positions of power must capture the pulse of the industry in a sensitive and respectful manner.  It is essential to shed light on important issues and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by aviation professionals. 

Capturing the concerns and sentiments of crew members, pilots, and other aviation industry professionals is crucial for understanding the underlying issues. Here are some ways to approach this:

– Anonymous Testimonials: Collect anonymous testimonials or quotes from crew members, pilots, and other professionals that highlight their concerns and experiences. This can provide a glimpse into the challenges they face and the issues they are passionate about.

– Industry Surveys: Conduct or cite existing surveys that reveal the sentiments and concerns of aviation professionals. This can help quantify the issues and provide a broader perspective.

– Case Studies: Develop case studies that illustrate specific instances where crew members or pilots felt ignored or mistreated. This can help put a human face to the issue and make the concerns more relatable.

– Analysis of Industry Reports: Review industry reports, such as those from regulatory bodies or safety organizations, to identify trends and patterns that might indicate underlying issues.

– Social media and Online Forums: Analyse the social media and online forums where aviation professionals discuss their concerns and experiences. This can provide valuable insights into the industry’s pulse.

– Suggestion Box: It has totally disappeared, rightly due to Digitization.  But it has its merit.  As shall, every office shall have one; and it shall be in the public domain.

Merits of Anonymity:

– Maintain anonymity: Ensure that the identities of crew members, pilots, and other professionals are protected to encourage honest feedback.

– Focus on systemic issues: Emphasize the systemic problems and challenges that contribute to the concerns, rather than targeting specific individuals or organizations.

– Highlight the human impact: Illustrate the human impact of ignoring or mistreating aviation professionals, such as decreased morale, increased stress, or compromised safety.

– Offer solutions: Provide potential solutions or recommendations for addressing the concerns and improving the treatment of aviation professionals.

 I am writing this article as the Air India 171 crash investigation is ongoing and the preliminary report is about to be released; therefore, promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainability in aviation investigations is of utmost importance. While dwelling on some critical points, I must present them with sensitivity and respect for the victims and their families, as well as the Crew and Staff of Airlines and other individuals.  Here are some potential bullet points that I wish to explore further to flag the concerns:

1. Systemic issues in Indian aviation: Investigate underlying problems, such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient training, or regulatory lapses, that might contribute to accidents.
2. Human factors and crew resource management: Examine the role of human error, crew resource management, and decision-making processes in the crash.
3. Maintenance and inspection procedures: Investigate the maintenance history of the aircraft, inspection procedures, and any potential lapses or irregularities.
4. Regulatory oversight and enforcement: Investigate the effectiveness of regulatory bodies, such as the DGCA, in ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations.
5. Safety culture within airlines: Research the safety culture within Air India and other Indian airlines, including reporting mechanisms, incident analysis, and corrective actions.
6. Impact of commercial pressures on safety: Explore how commercial pressures, such as tight schedules and financial constraints, might influence safety decisions and practices.
7. Lessons from international best practices: Identify best practices in aviation safety from other countries or airlines and assess their applicability to the Indian context.
8. Role of technology in enhancing safety: Investigate the potential benefits and challenges of implementing advanced safety technologies, such as predictive analytics or AI-powered safety monitoring.
9. Victim support and family assistance: Examine the support provided to families of victims and explore ways to improve the response to such incidents.
10. Investigative process and transparency: Analyse the investigative process, including the role of various stakeholders, and suggest ways to enhance transparency and accountability.

Here, I would like to leave behind some Questions, and we shall continue to be in touch through ‘tweaks’ and other social media platforms to delve further into these ten commandments of aviation safety. 

– Will We Ever Learn from the Forgotten Memories of Air India Flight 171 crash and Boeing 787’s reported incidents?

– Will this be a lesson on – What Happens When Safety Takes a Backseat? The Forgotten Memories of Air India Flight 171 crash and Boeing 787 reported incidents?

The subject is highly emotional and sensitive; hence, care has been taken in discussing safety and investigation to avoid any item taking up unnecessary space and going viral. 

G.S. Bawa is a Senior Aviation Consultant & Advisor. A Former General Manager, Airports Authority of India, he is a highly accomplished aviation professional with decades of experience in airport management, economic planning, corporate planning, public relations, and general administration. Through his expertise in domains such as Airport Planning & Development, Economic Planning, Statistical Analysis & Traffic Forecasting, Public Relations, International Cooperation, and Training & Development, as a seasoned aviation professional, G.S. Bawa offers strategic guidance and expertise to aviation organizations, leveraging his vast experience is his forte.