DGCA Issues Advisory to Airlines on Potential Rudder System Risks in Boeing 737 Aircraft

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an advisory to Indian airlines operating Boeing 737 aircraft. This follows a report from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) highlighting safety concerns with the Collins Aerospace SVO-730 Rudder Rollout Guidance Actuators. The advisory addresses the risk of a jammed rudder control system.

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Currently, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet operate nearly 100 Boeing 737 planes in India. Air India Express has 61, Akasa Air operates 25 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, and SpiceJet has 11 in service. The rudder rollout guidance actuator is crucial for aligning the rudder with the nose wheel during takeoff and landing.

Safety Measures and Training

The DGCA has mandated that all flight crews be informed about the potential for a jammed or restricted rudder control system through a circular or advisory. Airlines are required to communicate appropriate mitigations to help crews identify and manage such situations effectively.

Operators must conduct a safety risk assessment to evaluate and mitigate risks associated with the rudder control system. Additionally, all Category III B approach, landing, and rollout operations must be discontinued until further notice. Category III B involves operations in low visibility conditions.

Airlines are instructed to include discussions on potential rudder control system issues in recurrent training sessions. These topics will also be covered during Instrument Rating/Proficiency Checks (IR/PPC) in pre-simulator briefings. Specific exercises simulating jammed or restricted rudder scenarios must be included in training.

Compliance and Operator Responses

An Air India Express spokesperson stated, "The advisory regarding the Boeing 737 rudder system is applicable to only five of the aircraft in our fleet. We have initiated the process of compliance in adherence to the regulatory requirements." Meanwhile, a SpiceJet representative confirmed that none of its Boeing 737 NG aircraft are affected by this issue.

The DGCA's interim measures aim to enhance safety by ensuring flight crews are well-prepared for potential rudder control issues. These measures include practising appropriate responses during training exercises to handle such situations effectively.

Boeing's Statement and Future Steps

In August, Boeing informed operators about the potential condition with the rudder rollout guidance actuator. This component is part of an optional autoland system designed for Category III B operations. Boeing stated on September 27 that it is working with its supplier to develop additional guidance to address this potential condition.

The autoland system includes layers of redundancy, ensuring safety during critical phases of flight. Boeing's collaboration with its supplier aims to provide further guidance to mitigate any risks associated with the actuator.

These developments underscore the importance of proactive measures in aviation safety. By addressing potential issues promptly, airlines can ensure safer operations for both passengers and crew members.