Key Points
Investigation by the airline found that while the pilot had entered data for a full flap landing on the aircraft control unit, he had actually deployed the flaps at a reduced angle or at Flap 3 position..
While IndiGo said that they are mulling to appeal against the order as there were no violation of procedures, documents seen by ET and discussion with people shows that the airline has since then made significant changes in the experiences required and way its pilots operate the A321 aircraft..
DGCA investigators said that the incidents happened as the airline nudged its pilots indirectly to do a Flap 3 and smooth landings..
The airline either gave awards for doing more Flap 3 landings or it sent mails to pilots who couldnt do the required number of such landings, an investigator said.. While Flap 3 landing is safe and is certified by Airbus as a good fuel saving technique, pilots should decide on its usage depending on weather and runway conditions...
With the pilot landing at Flap 3 where speed is higher and also tries to hold the aircraft by keeping the nose high, attempting a smooth landing results in tail strikes, the investigator said.. Mitra subsequently wrote to pilots saying that the airline is discontinuing the practice of load generation reports..
