The pilots are the most important aspect of safe flight, and several standards are in place to help them maintain the standard operating procedure. One photo is circulating on the internet that resulted in the grounding of two pilots. The image is of the Spicejet aircraft pilots, who are shown eating snacks while keeping beverages in the cockpit with crucial controls. Now comes the debate regarding the safety considerations and normal standards for consuming meals in the cockpit.
This was captured during the Indian Holi celebrations when they were operating a flight from Delhi to Guwahati last Wednesday. The two had a cup of liquid on the flight deck’s center console, where even a small leak might have jeopardized safety. After a photo of the celebration at 37,000 feet while the plane was traveling at 0.79 mach (975 kmph) went viral, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday demanded the airline quickly identify and prosecute the crew members. In accordance with the directive, the airline off-rostered (removed from flying duties) the pilots a day later.
“Both pilots have been de-registered awaiting an investigation. SpiceJet has stringent regulations concerning food eating in the cockpit, which is followed by all flight crew. Following the completion of the investigation, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken,” a SpiceJet spokeswoman stated. Veteran pilots have raised their alarm about the dangerous celebration. “The coffee cup has been placed on the aircraft’s fuel levers on the center console.
The engine and (auxiliary power unit) fire control switches are located just below. If the coffee spills and falls over the fire panel, it may cause a short circuit, resulting in a false fire alarm. The team must release fire bottles and declare an emergency.
Source – Jetlinermarvel.net