βοΈ Air India’s High-Altitude Drama!
An inside scoop has surfaced, revealing a possible oversight by Air India on one of its recent nonstop flights from Delhi to the US. The airline, known for its long-standing reputation, is now facing a probe by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
A Mysterious Boeing 777
The center of this whirlwind controversy is a Boeing 777. Reports indicate that this plane, equipped with less emergency oxygen than mandated, was chosen for a nonstop flight over the towering Hindu Kush range. The pilot, showcasing admirable dedication to safety, declined to operate under such conditions. Word is, he has since parted ways with the airline.
A Breather on Breath!
For the uninitiated, most aircraft are fitted with oxygen supplies designed to last 12-15 minutes per passenger β sufficient for a typical descent to safer altitudes. But there’s a catch! Flights over high mountain ranges, such as the formidable Hindu Kush, require extra oxygen – up to 30 minutes worth.
Why the fuss? Since these mountain peaks can soar between 19,000-26,000 feet, planes would need to maintain higher altitudes longer in emergency situations, thus requiring more oxygen. With the recent Afghan airspace closure for civilian traffic, AI flights have been rerouting over the Hindu Kush, raising the stakes even higher.
The Inside Word
Sources whispered that the chosen Boeing 777 for the Delhi-US route was, in fact, a newer model without the added oxygen cylinder. This crucial feature is standard on older models, especially tailored for the treacherous overflights of the Hindu Kush. “The pilot noticed the oversight, stood his ground, and turned down the flight,” insiders claim.
Air India, in its defense, emphasized its unwavering commitment to safety. “Safety remains our top priority,” an AI spokesperson asserted, refraining from further comments.
Twist in the Tale?
Sources hint that, realizing the possible blunder, Air India might have rerouted the aircraft on a longer trajectory, bypassing the Hindu Kush’s menacing peaks.
This drama over the skies reminds us of Air India’s previous adaptation to the challenges posed by the closed Afghan airspace. They had meticulously planned the Hindu Kush route to address the rising fuel costs. A senior AI official once quoted, “The Hindu Kush was our answer to the emerging crisis.”
As the story unfolds, it beckons the question: Was this an innocent oversight or a glaring misjudgment? Time will tell.
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