Are you seeking leniency for cheating? Take a pilot’s test Mumbai: Any guesses why
the fake pilot’s licence scam is so colossal? Past cases of fraud
involving pilot’s licences and flight training in India show that the
aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA),
has been lenient towards the accused. Though the DGCA has independent
powers to revoke a pilot’s licence, it prefers to let the police and the
courts decide on the course of action. As the case drags on, the
accused pilot continues to fly or instruct, the regulator giving him
back his licence and restoring his privileges.
A case in point is that of Carver Aviation Academy, Baramati. Its former
chief flight instructor (CFI), Capt Ashim Taxali, was under the scanner
in 2007 for clearing 25 student pilots without conducting their flying
tests. These were students who had trained abroad for a commercial pilot
licence (CPL). To get an Indian licence, such students have to take a
flying test in India, which can be conducted by any CFI authorized by
the DGCA. The students approached Capt Taxali, who "pocketed the fees
paid by the students and issued them certificates without so much as
making them sit in an aircraft, let alone operate it”, said a DGCA
source.The matter came to light after the chief operating officer of the flying
club filed a police case against the CFI, since his activities resulted
in loss of revenue for the club. ToI reported the matter on November 6,
2007, following which the DGCA initiated an inquiry. Capt Taxali was
placed under suspension and the flying club shut down. The police
chargesheeted Capt Taxali, who spent a month in jail before being
granted bail. Though the case is in court, the DGCA restored his CFI
licence and reopened the flying school.This was despite the DGCA investigation report (a copy of which is with ToI) accusing him of fraud. 24/03/11 Manju V/
Times of India
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