The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced that it will soon impose a ban on people taking selfies onboard. It is working on guidelines for airlines that would cover various aspects of photography inside an aircraft. “Armed with the latest handsets with high resolution cameras, the crews and passengers are making hay of the loopholes in the safety rules”.
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Another official pointed out that although the Aircraft Rules, 1937, do not allow photography without permission, the rules are hardly followed, especially in the age of selfies.”We have made a decision to come out with a comprehensive guideline that will be applicable to both passengers and crew members”, said the official. Six pilots of a low-priced airline had come under the DGCA scanner last month for taking pictures with their family members in the cockpit.
Under the Aircraft Rules, 1937, photography from an aircraft in flight is prohibited unless one has obtained prior permission.
“Several instances of crew members, including cockpit crew, clicking photographs inside the flights have come to our notice and that’s a security concern for us”, an official said today. It would reiterate the aircraft rules and warn of consequences for not adhering to them.
“While taking a photograph when the plane is stationary and on the ground will not hamper safety, it may be a safety risk once the aircraft is airborne”.
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As per the rules, the permission in writing granted by the Director-General, Joint Director General, a Deputy Director-General or the Director of Regulations and Information of the Civil Aviation Department.
