DGCA flags recent snags, gives airlines 10 days to plug gaps

Airlines are improperly identifying causes of reported defects on aircraft, and are not placing qualified engineers at all airports spot checks by India's aviation safety regulator have revealed. 

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had conducted surprise inspections of airlines in light of the increasing engineering related occurrences in scheduled airlines in recent times.

In an order on Monday, the regulator has also pointed to an "increasing trend" of minimum equipment list (MEL) releases of aircraft. 

An MEL allows the plane to be operated safely even if something is broken on the plane only under specific conditions or for a restricted flight duration before it has to compulsorily undergo maintenance. 

For example, if a landing light is broken, the aircraft may be allowed to fly during day time.