What is needed for foolproof licensing is that the system be managed by persons of integrity, high morals and immaculate track record

There are no procedural flaws as far as the procedure laid down for the issue of civil flying licence is concerned. The problem arises when individuals deliberately subvert the system and function outside the procedural framework. The malaise that afflicts the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) licensing department is similar to other government-controlled departments such as the road transport, customs and excise, income tax, sales tax, police, etc. A notable feature in the functioning of both Central and state government departments is that every point of control degenerates into a point of corruption. Thus there is the incentive for the bureaucracy to introduce additional points of control to enhance raking in of illegal revenue which could be shared by many in the organisational hierarchy.

Drivers enabling sustainability of such flaws

The unprecedented boom in civil aviation led to serious imbalance on account of demand outstripping supply. Flying schools mushroomed around the country with little respect for quality of training and churned out inadequately trained pilots. Hordes of boys and girls went to flying schools abroad to obtain foreign licences that were required to be converted to Indian licence by DGCA. This came as a windfall for the staff at DGCA who saw clear opportunities for making money and did so without any concern for air safety. The process was facilitated by agents and student pilots desperate to obtain flying licence paid up to Rs. 25 lakh. Individuals managing the licensing process expect and demand substantial sums from hapless individuals for the work they are legally required to do. Unbridled greed for money leads to the insidious practice of subversion of the rules and regulations resulting in issue of licences to those who do not qualify. This is evident from the cases that are recently in the limelight. The other factor that contributes deliberate subversion of rules is on account of nepotism especially if the candidate is a relative of a senior functionary in the DGCA or in the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). The case of pilot Garima Passi falls in this category.

Foolproof licensing system

The licensing system cannot be faulted and does not require any radical change. What is needed is that the system be managed by persons of integrity, high morals and immaculate track record. Black sheep who manage to infiltrate the system should be weeded out and exemplary punishment meted out to those defaulting. The vigilance department needs to be empowered and made to play a more effective role. At present, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation is all powerful and highly insular. The organisation needs to introduce an effective system of internal checks and balances, greater transparency and external scrutiny. Trainee pilots applying for licence must be asked by the vigilance department to submit anonymous feedback on their experience and should be asked to indicate demand from functionaries in DGCA for payments under the table. This exercise must be undertaken immediately after the individual has obtained his licence.