New Delhi, September 4: Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered action against two aspiring pilots who were caught cheating during exams for the award of commercial pilot licence (CPL). The aspiring pilots were copying using smartphones like the character of "Munnabhai" did in Sanjay Dutt-starrer Munnabhai MBBS film. DGCA Allows Off-Duty Pilots and Cabin Crew to Travel in Plane's Cockpit Jump Seat.

DGCA permanently barred one wannabe candidate from appearing in this exam, the other has been suspended for two years. According to the DGCA order, which was issued on Tuesday, during the examination, the two pilots used unfair means and were in possession of two smartphones, one smartwatch and one connecting device. DGCA Suspends License of SpiceJet Pilot Atul Yadav for 3 Months, Finds Him Guilty for Runway Incursion At Mumbai Airport.

The first case is related to a wannabe pilot from Thane, who was appearing for “air regulation” subject exam to get his CPL. "During examination you used unfair means and were in possession of two smartphones (including an iPhone), one smartwatch and one connecting device. Whereas these electronic gadgets are not allowed to be carried during the conduct of examination,” says the DGCA order.

A show-cause notice was issued to the aspiring pilot, whose response was not satisfactory, Times of India reported. "You have failed to submit any valid reason whatsoever for commission of such grave violations (which) are clearly evident in CCTV footage. Such conduct of an individual aspiring to become a commercial pilot is considered highly detrimental to safety of aircraft operation and also to the safety of life… in air… violation is considered very grave," says the order.

Subsequently, the candidate has been barred permanently "for life" for pilot licence exam. The other candidate who has been barred for two years is from Guntur. The DGCA issued a showcase notice to the candidate and after examining his reply, "temporarily debarred (him) from appearing in pilot’s licence exam for two years for adopting unfair means".

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 04, 2019 06:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).