Jamshedpur’s Alchemist Aviation to resume training from January 2 as DGCA revokes suspension

DGCA revokes suspension after aircraft crash inquiry

Kin of deceased pilots to receive Rs 2 Crore compensation

Jamshedpur, Dec 30: Alchemist Aviation Pvt Ltd, a flying training institute based at Sonari Airport, Jamshedpur will resume training from January 2, 2025 after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) revoked the suspension on December 24, 2024 with intent for further inquiry, said Alchemist Aviation’s managing director, Mrinal Kanti Pal.

The DGCA on August 29, 2024 had suspended the approval granted to Alchemist Aviation Pvt Ltd to operate as a flying training organisation (FTO) following the trainee aircraft a Cessna 152 registered as VT-TAJ crash in Jamshedpur on August 20, 2024, killing both the people on board — trainee pilot Subhrojeet Dutta, 19, and instructor pilot Shatru Jeet Anand, 30.

Addressing the media at Beldih Club on Monday, Pal revealed that, “DGCA conducted a special audit of the flying school on August 23 and 24, identifying a “level 1 finding” under Rule 41B, Sub-clause 10 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937.  A team of DGCA officers conducted a detailed evaluation of our facilities, aircraft, and operations. After we demonstrated satisfactory compliance, the DGCA has hence revoked our suspension. However, no penalties were imposed as the institute was deemed not at fault. We have since implemented enhanced safety measures to prevent future mishaps and ensure smooth operations,” he added.

Alchemist Aviation reported that out of 45 trainees of the ongoing batch, 15 had transferred to other institutes to complete the mandatory 200 hours of flying time required for a commercial pilot license (CPL). The remaining 30 students will resume their training from January 2.

Pal emphasized that the crash was an “unfortunate and unpredictable” incident caused by a stunt manoeuvre attempted by the trainee and instructor, which led to the aircraft plunging into the Chandil Dam.

When asked about the compensation, the managing director confirmed that the families of the deceased would each receive Rs 2 crore as insurance settlement. However, he noted that instructor pilot Anand’s family had not yet submitted the necessary documents to claim their compensation. The institute will also receive Rs 40 lakh for the damaged aircraft.

He further said, “We have been operating the Alchemist Aviation institute at Sonari airport since 2018 and currently have five training aircraft, three of which are airworthy. Our Flying Training Organisation (FTO) Card issued by DGCA is valid till May 2029.

Pal outlined the institute’s training programs: Commercial Pilot License (CPL): 200 hours of flying time, 350 hours of ground classes, and 30 hours of simulator learning, with a total fee of Rs 40 lakh. Private Pilot License (PPL): 40 hours of flying time and 10 hours of simulator learning, costing Rs 12 lakh.

It is worth mentioning that on August 20, 2024, the Cessna 152 aircraft crashed into Chandil Dam just 15 minutes after taking off from Jamshedpur Airport. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Indian Navy recovered the bodies of the victims on August 22. The aircraft’s wreckage was located on August 27, following a five-day search operation in the Chandil reservoir in Jharkhand’s Seraikela-Kharsawan district.

Also present at the press meet were Captain Manish Bhaskar Tete, Captain Anshuman Kumar Singh, Anujay Singh, President & Accountable Manager, and other officials of Alchemist Aviation.  They expressed confidence in the institute’s renewed commitment to safety and professionalism as it prepares to resume training.

With enhanced protocols in place, Alchemist Aviation aims to restore confidence among its trainees and uphold its reputation as a premier flying training institute.