LAHORE
PIA Flight Operation Department (FoD) has admitted some crucial missing features in recently acquired Boeing 777 by airlines management in an undue haste, deficiencies have been pointed out by engineering department of the airline.
However it was not explained in the FoD letter No: FLT OPS/TECH/51 dated November 17, 2015 that why these aircrafts were accepted when some of the missing features make them non compliant with the Civil Aviation requirement of Pakistan.As per sources the national flag carrier recently acquired 2 Boeing 777 on dry lease option while one with registration number AP BMG has been delivered and another one AP BMH to join PIA soon.
Sources said that the Boeing 777 in question is at least 10 years old as it did its first flight on 13th May 2005 and was then leased to Vietnam Air till Oct 2015 when PIA acquired the aircraft. However it was suppose to be fitted with all facilities before handing over but it seems someone was in a hurry to get the aircraft delivery.
Experts question the acquisition of Boeing 777-200 ER in haste from the Vietnam Airlines that have many essential items and safety measures missing compared to the similar fleet that Pakistan International Airlines is operating.The letter points out that the aircraft lacks on the board performance tool (OPT). The Flight Operation Department has however promised that OPT would be given to the crew on their iPad. The department further pointed out that those crew members that do not have iPad will be provided hard copies which are available in the aircraft. Experts question this lack of professionalism by PIA that is taking such an important flying input so lightly.
Another missing feature is the absence of surveillance cameras with display in cockpit. This feature is crucial for ensuring the safety of the passengers as through these cameras the crew keeps an eye on any suspicious movement of any passenger. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority they added has made it mandatory to install these cameras. The letter states that a waiver in this regard has been obtained from PCAA. Experts regret that such waiver has been granted by the authority which could be a source of embarrassment for both PIA and CAA if an aircraft is inspected abroad.
The letter further points out that these models do not have EFB Class 3. It states that PIAC is endeavoring to install EFB class 2. An electronic flight bag (EFB) is an electronic information management device that helps flight crews perform flight management tasks more easily and efficiently with less paper. It is a general purpose computing platform intended to reduce, or replace, paper-based reference material often found in the pilot's carry-on flight bag, including the aircraft operating manual, flight-crew operating manual, and navigational charts (including moving map for air and ground operations). In addition, the EFB can host purpose-built software applications to automate other functions normally conducted by hand, such as performance take-off calculations.
The letter states that Insha Allah in due course of time it will be installed but the time frame has not been given.
Another point worth noting is that the takeoff gross weight is 297556 for this Boeing 777 AP-BMG whereas PIAC fleet is operating with 273969. The flight planning will be done on 273969 for the interim period, till the flight planning is received from Boeing for 297556. How long would it take to receive flight planning from the manufacturer is a question mark. They said PIA will be losing millions in revenues as it would be taking less cargo till the flight planning is received.
Spokesman for PIA, Danyal Gillani when contacted said that national flag carrier has clear understanding with the leasing company that they will ensure installation of Electronic Flight Bag and Surveillance Cameras in the newly leased B-777 by January 30, 2016. He further said that these services would be provided with out any extra charges. He further said that engineering teams of CAA and PIA inspected the aircrafts and features in questions were extra features which have nothing to do with performance and safety of the aircraft.