Cleared To Approach: The Aviation Blog

  AI171 Updates: The UN's International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is likely to join the AI171 investigation, seeking observer status. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has confirmed that the black box data has been successfully accessed. The DGCA has ordered a 'comprehensive safety audit' into the Indian aviation industry after the recent events of AI171 as well as several helicopter accidents. A specialised parliament committee has summoned Civil Aviation Secretary Kumar Sinha to discuss aviation safety and precautions being taken post AI171. Atlanta's Weather Causes Airport Shut-Down: Operations of Hatsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL / KATL) were halted due to terrible weather conditions. The city suffered a major thunderstorm including severe wind and hail which subsequently led to the ATC tower being evacuated. On the Ground Collisions: Two B737-800s collided on the ground in Russia on the 28th of June. A 787 and A321 collided on the ground in...

  AI171 Blackbox issues: Both elements of the black box of AI171 were retrieved. The Cockpit Voice Recorder has been accessed. However, the Flight Data Recorder is proving to be difficult to extract imperative data from due to damage from the fire. Therefore, it is being sent to the States to the NTSB laboratory in Washington. Operation Midnight Hammer: The United States launched a surprise attack on Iranian nuclear development plants. All American aircraft left Iranian airspace untouched, complemented by the deployment of decoy aircraft, as well as America's offer which gave Iran 2 weeks to surrender. B2 Bombers dropped GBU-57 bunker-busting bombs supported by 4th and 5th gen-fighters as escorts. This was the first use of GBU-57s and was one of the largest B2 operations. Increase in Emergency Landings and Cancelled Flights: There has been a substantial increase in emergency landings, delayed and cancelled flights throughout India. However, there is no need to panic- the prevalence...

 Air India Flight 171 was scheduled to fly from Ahmedabad (VAAH/AMD) to London Gatwick (EGKK/LGW) on the 12th of June 2025. The aircraft, registered VT-ANB crashed imminently post takeoff. Details are available at (https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7317767946212419628/2879737807833193669).  That article contained limited information, and this aims to provide a crucial update. Blackbox recovered: Within 30 hours of the crash, both components of the black box were recovered. This includes the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder. The black box was found atop the roof of the medical college where the 787 had crashed. It will provide significant evidence regarding the reason of the crash. Fatalities: Authorities have confirmed that there is only one miracle survivor of this crash, and the remaining 241 people have lost their lives. ~38 people have passed away on the ground while several remain injured. Eyewitness Account: Eyewitnesses at the scene find the pilots o...

  Details: Air India flight 171 scheduled to fly from Ahmedabad (VAAH / AMD) to London Gatwick (EGKK / LGW) on 12th June 2025 crashed imminently post takeoff. It was registered VT-AMB fitted with GEnx engines. The flight was carrying 242 passengers, ten crew members and two pilots. The aircraft was flown by Captain Sumit Sabharval with 8200 flight hours and First Officer Clive Kundar with 1100 flight hours. Crash: The aircraft took off normally from Runway 23 at 1:38PM IST until it began descending rapidly. Its transponder stopped responding at 625 feet. The pilot called MAYDAY stating a lack of thrust due to which the aircraft stooped down. This could have been a dual engine failure, and with such less thrust or airspeed the aircraft wouldn't be able to glide, and the APU wouldn't make much difference. The aircraft didn't respond to ATC after the mayday call. Again, the reason for the crash is still unconfirmed. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has launched a pro...

  Russia Proposes a Su-57 Deal to India: Amid ongoing tensions with Pakistan and potentially with China, India is in desperate need of a fifth-gen fighter. Sure, the HAL AMCA project is underway, a homegrown 5th Gen stealth fighter. Unfortunately, this project will take more than a decade until these aircraft will be ready for operation. Russia has proposed a deal for Su-57 Fifth-Gen fighters, which could be imperative before the AMCA arrives. Moreover, this deal comes with unprecedented technology transfer as well as the ability to integrates India's indigenous missiles with the Su-57E stealth fighters that have been proposed.  This proposal comes after the USA reportedly has been pushing India to buy their F45-A fighters. However, the States has always been reluctant with transferring critical technology and source code. Rafale-Tata Fuselage Manufacturing-Deal: Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems have signed four Production Transfer Agreements for the first-ever ...

Centre Orders Termination of Indigo-Turkish Airlines Damp Lease: Amid ongoing backlash and calls to boycott Türkiye, the DGCA has instructed Indigo to suspend its damp lease of two wide body aircraft (B777-300 ERs). It gave a final extension of 3 months in order to cause minimal disruption to operations and denied the request of a 6-month extension.  IATA's 81st Annual General Meeting to be Held in New Delhi: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is holding its 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) in New Delhi, after a 42-year gap. Indigo, India's leading airline is the host airline of the event. It will take place between June 1-3, and our Prime Minister is expected to deliver a keynote. Approximately 1700 participants are said to attend, including industry leaders, analysts, and media. India's growth since the last time an AGM was held in the country has been profound, with record aircraft orders just recently by Air India, ...