New Delhi: India’s aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has directed Air India to carry out immediate inspections of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) emergency power systems installed on certain Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The move follows technical concerns raised about the reliability of the system, which plays a critical role in maintaining aircraft power during emergencies.
According to officials, the DGCA’s directive aims to ensure passenger safety and operational integrity amid reports suggesting possible irregularities in the RAT’s functioning on a few aircraft. The regulator has also asked Boeing, the U.S. aerospace manufacturer, to submit a comprehensive technical report outlining the cause of the suspected fault, along with preventive measures to avoid future occurrences.
The Ram Air Turbine is an essential safety mechanism fitted on commercial aircraft, including the Boeing 787. In the rare event of a total power or engine failure, the RAT automatically deploys into the airstream to generate emergency electrical and hydraulic power, allowing the crew to maintain control of critical systems such as flight controls, navigation, and communications.
A malfunction in the RAT system, even if rare, could severely impact an aircraft’s ability to respond to emergency situations. The DGCA’s intervention reflects its proactive approach to preempt any potential safety threat, particularly given Air India’s long-haul international operations that often traverse remote or oceanic routes.
The DGCA has not only asked Air India to complete a fleetwide inspection of all affected 787s but has also requested Boeing to provide an engineering analysis and a set of corrective actions. The manufacturer has been tasked with conducting a root-cause study to identify whether the issue stems from hardware malfunction, maintenance lapses, or design limitations.
Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, a flagship of modern aviation technology, uses advanced composite materials and electric systems that depend on complex power management units. Ensuring that its emergency systems remain fully operational is crucial to maintaining the aircraft’s airworthiness.
The directive underscores the DGCA’s commitment to maintaining strict safety standards as India’s aviation sector undergoes rapid growth and modernization. Air India, now part of the Tata Group, has been expanding its international fleet, introducing new routes and aircraft, making regulatory vigilance all the more essential.
Officials from the DGCA stated that the inspections are precautionary and that no major incidents have been reported so far. “The safety of passengers is non-negotiable. These inspections are part of our continuous oversight mechanism to ensure all aircraft systems perform flawlessly,” a DGCA representative said.
Industry experts note that while RAT deployment is an extremely rare occurrence, it is one of the most vital components for ensuring an aircraft’s survivability during total power loss. They view the DGCA’s move as a responsible step toward reinforcing operational discipline and preempting potential safety hazards.
This directive also comes at a time when aviation regulators globally are intensifying inspections of aircraft systems following several high-profile technical incidents across different airlines and manufacturers.
The results of Air India’s inspection and Boeing’s technical evaluation will determine whether further actions, such as software updates or component replacements, will be required. Depending on the findings, the DGCA may issue additional advisories or airworthiness directives applicable across airlines operating similar aircraft types in India.
For Air India, this episode is a reminder of the constant balance between technological advancement and operational safety. As the airline continues to modernize its fleet and expand its reach, maintaining rigorous safety compliance remains the foundation of its reputation as India’s national carrier.
The DGCA’s swift intervention not only highlights its vigilance but also reinforces India’s growing stature as a country that prioritizes safety and accountability in its fast-evolving aviation industry.