NEW DELHI: Civil aviation regulator DGCA issued an alert on Monday regarding potential rudder jamming on Boeing 737 aircraft, after a recent investigation by US National Transportation Safety Board highlighted risks associated with Collins Aerospace rudders on these planes.
DGCA directed operators of Boeing 737s with Collins Aerospace SVO-730 rudders to temporarily halt low visibility Category III B (CAT 3B) landings. This includes autoland operations , while risk assessments are carried out and special rudder control training is provided to pilots.
The advisory applies to both Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) and 737 MAX models used by Indian carriers such as Air India Express, Akasa, and SpiceJet. The exact number of aircraft affected is being determined in collaboration with Boeing. SpiceJet issued a statement, saying: "None of our B737 NG or MAX aircraft are impacted."
The US had issued a similar advisory, prompting India to take precautionary measures. "Considering the potential risk of a jammed or restricted rudder control system, DGCA has issued interim safety recommendations to all Indian operators of Boeing 737 aircraft, effective immediately," the Indian regulator said. DGCA's recommendations include advising flight crews about the possibility of rudder jamming and ensuring they are prepared to handle such situations. Operators have been instructed to conduct safety risk assessments and incorporate specific rudder control exercises into pilot training sessions. These exercises will simulate scenarios involving jammed or restricted rudder systems to ensure flight crews are equipped to respond appropriately.
Boeing responded to the advisory: "In Aug, we informed affected 737 operators of a potential condition with the rudder... The autoland system includes layers of redundancy, and we are working with our supplier to develop additional guidance to address the potential condition."
DGCA directed operators of Boeing 737s with Collins Aerospace SVO-730 rudders to temporarily halt low visibility Category III B (CAT 3B) landings. This includes autoland operations , while risk assessments are carried out and special rudder control training is provided to pilots.
The advisory applies to both Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) and 737 MAX models used by Indian carriers such as Air India Express, Akasa, and SpiceJet. The exact number of aircraft affected is being determined in collaboration with Boeing. SpiceJet issued a statement, saying: "None of our B737 NG or MAX aircraft are impacted."
The US had issued a similar advisory, prompting India to take precautionary measures. "Considering the potential risk of a jammed or restricted rudder control system, DGCA has issued interim safety recommendations to all Indian operators of Boeing 737 aircraft, effective immediately," the Indian regulator said. DGCA's recommendations include advising flight crews about the possibility of rudder jamming and ensuring they are prepared to handle such situations. Operators have been instructed to conduct safety risk assessments and incorporate specific rudder control exercises into pilot training sessions. These exercises will simulate scenarios involving jammed or restricted rudder systems to ensure flight crews are equipped to respond appropriately.
Boeing responded to the advisory: "In Aug, we informed affected 737 operators of a potential condition with the rudder... The autoland system includes layers of redundancy, and we are working with our supplier to develop additional guidance to address the potential condition."
You may also like
"Situation in Kadamtala under control and peaceful": Tripura CM Saha
'I saw doctor about my snoring - and found out my breathing stopped 600 times in one night'
12 rare features that make you unique — from unusual toe size to certain eye colour
Nico Rosberg discusses life in retirement after dad called him 'crazy' for quitting F1
