Indian pilots grounded after photos show open coffee cup placed on instrument console

SpiceJet pilots dangerously positioned a espresso cup and snack on the centre console of the cockpit when the airplane was cruising at 37,000 ft on March 8. Photograph: Boeing

An Indian airline grounded two pilots after they reportedly positioned open espresso cups and sweets on the instrument console whereas flying a industrial airplane.

The mid-flight snack was stated to have been consumed by the pilots of a SpiceJet flight from New Delhi to Guwahati in Assam state on March 8, the day of Holi, the Indian pageant of colors.

The airplane was cruising at 37,000 ft.

“Each pilots have been off-rostered pending an inquiry,” a SpiceJet consultant advised The Nationwide. "SpiceJet has a strict coverage for consumption of meals contained in the cockpit which is adhered to by all flight crew."

Disciplinary motion can be taken upon completion of an investigation, the official stated.

An image shared on social media confirmed a paper espresso cup and gujiyas, an Indian candy historically eaten on Holi, positioned dangerously on the centre console of the cockpit.

⁦@CaptShaktiLumba⁩ ⁦@AwakenIndia⁩ ⁦@leofsaldanha⁩ ⁦@NarendranKs⁩ ⁦@OMRcat⁩ ⁦@jagritichandra⁩ ⁦@nambath⁩ ⁦@JM_Scindia⁩ Samosa and tea at 37000ft, cruising at 0.79M!Even horoscope cant prevent if there's an emergency😡 pic.twitter.com/6UfhnDfzOk

— Mohan Ranganathan (@Mohan_Rngnathan) March 14, 2023

This triggered condemnation and prompted India’s aviation regulator to subject a warning to the airline.

Consumption of meals and drinks is regulated contained in the cockpit and pilots should comply with strict guidelines, together with utilizing lids on beverage containers to keep away from spillage on delicate consoles or avoiding putting foods and drinks gadgets unattended on instrument panels.

India's aviation regulatory physique, Directorate Common of Civil Aviation, has sought particulars from the provider, asking it to establish crew members and take motion.

A former pilot and aviation professional known as it a “legal act” and a “harmful behavior”.

“The central pedestal just isn't a desk. Even the slightest turbulence and occasional will spill on to the electronics, it is going to foul the programs. It is a legal act,” stated Mohan Ranganathan, an aviation professional who had first shared the picture on Twitter.