Introductory OPS Rules Development Workshop in India 

A 5-day on-site activity took place between the 3rd and 7th of June 2024 at DGCA India in Delhi. The main objective of this activity was to introduce the DGCA India’s officials to EASA Aircrew rules and to assist DGCA India in the development of Aircrew (PEL) regulation in India using EASA Air Crew Regulation 1178/2011 as a reference.

 

The workshop aimed to achieve the following:

• To provide DGCA India officials with a comprehensive overview of EASA Aircrew regulations, including both hard and soft regulations.

• To explore the status of rules applicable.

• Draft a roadmap leading to the implementation of Aircrew standards using EASA Aircrew Regulation 1178/2011 as a reference.

• The SARI expert to offer valuable insights into regulation drafting principles, provide practical examples, and facilitate hands-on regulation drafting practice in collaboration with the participants.

 

On the first day of the activity, DGCA India provided an overview of the currently approved training organisations (ATOs), along with the existing legal framework and regulations concerning Aircrew/PEL in India. During the sessions, the expert delivered presentations on the EU Aviation Safety Rule Structure and its guiding principles, as well as the applicability of Aircrew regulations. The presentations included an overview of the European rulemaking process, distinguishing between hard and soft laws, and outlining the steps from initial proposals to final implementation, including stakeholder consultations, regulatory impact assessments, and the development of Certification Specifications (CS), Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC), and Guidance Material (GM). The expert also provided in-depth knowledge on the applicability of Aircrew Regulations and the structure of key regulatory parts, including Part FCL, Part MED, Part CC, Part ARA, Part ORA, and Part DTO.

 

During the sessions, particular focus was placed on the authority's management system, covering key areas such as safety, safety oversight, certification, and enforcement. The expert provided a detailed explanation of the roles of key stakeholders and emphasized the rationale behind designating Points of Contact and their significance. He engaged in discussions with DGCA India officials regarding the priorities and applicability of aircrew requirements specific to DGCA India, considering the scope of training organizations, geographical needs, and national requirements. Additionally, the roadmap for Aircrew regulations implementation and its key milestones was also a point of discussion. The expert introduced participants to the principles of regulation drafting, including exemptions and alternative means of compliance, offering practical examples for initiating the drafting of aircrew regulations aligned with European Standards. He dedicated significant time to guiding participants through hands-on practice in rule drafting, ensuring a deeper understanding of the process.

 

The activity facilitated a collaborative and interactive learning atmosphere, thereby enhancing participants' awareness and ability to understand the intent of the EU regulations. The participants gained the capacity to effectively interpret and adhere to the relevant rules within the context of their specific operational scenarios.

The activity hosted 18 participants, of whom 11 were DGCA India representatives and 7 were industry representatives from India, including 1 SARI team representative and SARI OPS/PEL expert, Mr. Peter Wilczek.