Government Intensifies Scrutiny on NSOPs After Fatal LearJet Crash

The government is conducting a comprehensive examination of flight operations by non-scheduled operators after a tragic LearJet crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced the study in response to increased calls for regulatory scrutiny.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has already initiated a safety audit this month. The focus is on identifying areas within non-scheduled operations and uncontrolled airfields where safety improvements can be implemented. Naidu emphasized the ministry's dedication to ensuring safety in flight operations.

This initiative follows the crash of VSR Ventures' LearJet 45 near Baramati airport, an uncontrolled airfield. Preliminary reports from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are forthcoming. The ministry's aim is to fortify smaller airlines but dismissed suggestions of creating a 'too big to fail' model for airlines akin to the banking sector.