Are the navigational instruments at Indian airports in order?
They certainly are. Of course, there is scope for improvement, but the navigational aids are adequate. In any case, the Airport Authority of India is going ahead with its equipment modernisation plans and by early next year, major airports are going to have state-of-the-art units. Does the DGCA need more teeth to assess the airworthiness of certain aircraft, particularly older ones like the IL-76 involved in the crash? I would not like to comment on whether the DGCA needs more powers, but as far as monitoring daily checks is concerned, we do it even today. Our department dealing with air safety believes in maintaining very high standards. The tests are stringent and there is no room for lapses. Aeroplanes like IL-76 have been flying in and out of the country for years and there have been no problems.
