Safety - IAF Records Accident Rate Lowest Ever

Daredevil

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Accurate evaluation of risks present and their effective management Appears to be paying dividends. The lowest ever accident rate of 0:22 Achieved by the IAF last year is comparable to the most advanced air forces of the world.

Aerospace safety mission-statement of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been to "Ensure operational capability by conserving human and material resources through prevention of aircraft accidents." The IAF believes's That loss of aircraft through accidents, undermines operational capability and hence will the focus is on reducing the accident rate. The 'aircraft accident rate' is calculated as number of accidents Resulting in loss of an aircraft to 10,000 hours of flying. It Has Been declining steadily over the years. The lowest accident rate of 0:35 was last Achieved in the financial year 2006-07. Human error, either by the operator or support service providers, and technical defects Have Been the major reason behind accidents in the IAF.

In-depth analysis of the problem and focused corrective measures were initiated in the last one year in an effort to bring down the accident rate significantly. These included strengthening of initial basic training, review of flying training syllabi, especially of inexperienced air crew, aircraft and system enhanced serviceability through better resource management as Also renewed focus on technical supervision and maintenance practices. The accident rate Achieved in the financial year 2012-13 was 12:22, the lowest ever recorded.

The aircraft inventory as well as support equipment held by the IAF is spread over a wide technology spectrum. The IAF continues to operate old aircraft low technology: such as the MiG-21, MiG-27, HJT-16 Kiran, etc.. Product support by the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) is Often a major constraint. The older machines are prone to technical defects and system failures. The problem is countered by a slew of measures: such as strengthening of training, close monitoring of maintenance activities, stringent quality control During repair and overhaul at base repair depots and the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).

Technical defects have also been on the rise on the newer Fleets: such as the Jaguar and Mirage 2000. Amalgamation of modern technology with longer available platforms is feasible and a number of upgradation Programmes on these Fleets are under way to enhance the operational capability as well as improve safety and maintainability. With the phasing out of aging Fleets and new inductions yet to fructify, the IAF is facing reducing numbers. Under Circumstances longer available, higher fleet serviceability will not only offset the reduced strength of aircraft, but blackberries Also importantly, flying Ensure adequate for the aircrew. This is possible only through timely provisioning of spares, especially Those procured from foreign sources. Increased flying training for the aircrew will translate into reduced human error accidents and better operational preparedness of the IAF.

Preserving and strengthening training resources is another focus area for the IAF. Untimely retirement of the HPT-32, delay in the availability of the intermediate jet trainer, repeated extensions of life for the aging Kiran fleet and the need to Increase intake of pilots to keep peace with new inductions, especially multi-pilot fighters: such as On -30MKI, are inclined to Increase pressure on training resources. Fast track induction of Pilatus PC-7 and accretion of Hawk AJT along with embedded simulators are steps in the right direction. Stringent compliance to training standards at various stages of flying training as well as gradual progression of the trainees to higher performance aircraft are two-regarded essential to reduce accidents to human error. Development of training infrastructure to cater to future induction of aircraft and systems as part of long-term induction perspective plan is being Pursued expeditiously.

With the induction of state-of-the-art equipment and phasing out of aging Fleets, a downward trend in incidents of technical defects can be expected. Modern technology demands stringent quality control at production as well as overhaul stages to reduce technical defects. Rigorous quality assurance standards and specifications as laid down by the OEM have to be ensured During licensed production. To reduce accidents on account of technical defects, the IAF has initiated joint quality audits along with HAL on the different Fleets. Shortcomings in production support infrastructure, availability of skilled manpower, quality control, delay in setting up of ROH facilities, lack of robust research and development (R & D), etc. do get highlighted.

The IAF is striving hard to Achieve a high degree of safety while meeting the Organisational Objectives. The issues related to flight safety are being monitored at the level of the Chief of the Air Staff himself. Accurate evaluation of risks present and their effective management Appears to be paying dividends. The lowest ever accident rate of 0:22 Achieved by the IAF last year is comparable to the most advanced air forces of the world.


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W.G.Ewald

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The lowest ever accident rate of 0:22 Achieved by the IAF last year is comparable to the most advanced air forces of the world...

The accident rate Achieved in the financial year 2012-13 was 12:22, the lowest ever recorded.
I need help with the math. The number of aircraft lost must be a whole number. What was it. and what was the total number of operational hours?
 

Daredevil

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I need help with the math. The number of aircraft lost must be a whole number. What was it. and what was the total number of operational hours?
From the article

The 'aircraft accident rate' is calculated as number of accidents Resulting in loss of an aircraft to 10,000 hours of flying. It Has Been declining steadily over the years.
 

Sakal Gharelu Ustad

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BTW, what is the number of flying hours for IAF for all pilots combined?

# of pilots * # of flying hours/pilot
 
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