DGCA plans to review crew training courses; will introduce lessons on handling unruly passengers
DGCA plans to review crew training courses; will introduce lessons on handling unruly passengers
The smiling airhostess is about to learn how to pull a punch.
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After the Indigo airline mid-air prank created a hijack scare at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Sunday, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has decided to launch refresher courses in crisis management to train crew members to deal with disruptive passengers.
The current training courses will be reviewed to introduce the new element. The new course will give crew members more power to deal with such passengers.
Director General Civil Aviation, Naseem Ahmed Zaidi, told MiD DAY that training programmes for all crew members are being reviewed. "Such programmes already exist. However, viewing the current scenario we are re-looking at them," Zaidi said.
In the West, airhostesses are allowed handcuff unruly passengers. Special kits to deal with emergency situations are also provided to the crew. "We are looking at all aspects. Before coming to a conclusion, we would study the practices being followed in other countries," Zaidi added.
Aviation experts say that the current training programmes for crew members focus more on hospitality. "Though some airlines claim that their crew members are imparted special training to deal with on-board eventualities, they are rarely taken off duty for such programmes," said an airline expert, wishing anonymity.
Crew members too are happy with the DGCA's decision because they are "toothless" at present to deal with unruly passengers. "We can do only one thing. We do not offer more drinks to a passenger who is are inebriated state," said an Air India official, wishing anonymity.
Meanwhile, airlines are scared of being strict with passengers as that could harm their business. "Rules should be strict but uniform for all. Unilaterally such initiatives cannot be taken," said an airline official.
