DGCA Directs Air India to Re-Evaluate RAT Devices on Boeing 787 Fleet
DGCA has mandated that Air India conduct a thorough re-evaluation of the RAT systems across its fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. This requirement comes in light of a recent incident where the RAT deployed unexpectedly as an aircraft landed in Birmingham, UK. Additionally, Boeing has been requested to gather reports from other operators of the 787 regarding similar occurrences.
As highlighted by the Times of India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed Air India to inspect the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) for proper stowage, especially in aircraft that have had their power conditioning module (PCM) replaced recently.
The RAT serves as an emergency backup mechanism designed to deliver hydraulic and electrical power when the primary engines fail. It operates by utilizing the aircraft’s forward motion to activate a turbine, which deploys from the aircraft’s underside, thereby maintaining power to essential flight systems and avionics.
This system is crucial during emergencies, such as when a dual-engine failure or complete electrical failure occurs. The RAT was previously deployed during a serious incident involving AI flight 171 in June 2025, which resulted in a crash shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad.
The recent advisory arose from an event on October 4, 2025, when Air India flight AI117, traveling from Amritsar (ATQ) to Birmingham (BHX), experienced the automatic deployment of the RAT at around 500 feet during its descent. Thankfully, the aircraft landed safely, and all systems were reported to function normally during the flight.
According to the DGCA’s advisory, Air India has been instructed to assess the procedures followed during the ‘D’ Check concerning the module change for any possible discrepancies. The regulator noted that the RAT typically activates only in significant failure scenarios, making its deployment noteworthy.
Air India affirmed that, despite the uncommanded activation of the RAT on flight AI117, the aircraft’s electrical and hydraulic systems were reported to be functioning normally during the flight.
On October 6, 2025, following the incident, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) urged the DGCA to evaluate the electrical systems across all Boeing 787 aircraft operating in India.
In a letter addressed to the DGCA, FIP President GS Randhawa highlighted that the Aircraft Health Monitoring (AHM) system had picked up a fault in the Bus Power Control Unit (BPCU), which could have triggered the RAT’s activation. The BPCU is vital for managing the aircraft’s electrical power distribution, and any failure could lead to significant disruptions.
The FIP expressed concerns about potential systemic vulnerabilities within the Boeing 787 aircraft, emphasizing the need for comprehensive inspections of the entire fleet in India.
In response, India’s Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu assured that the DGCA is actively investigating the matter. He indicated that once more details are available, the necessary steps would be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Beyond Air India, the DGCA has broadened its inquiry and has requested Boeing to submit a detailed report outlining preventive measures regarding the uncommanded RAT deployment incident.
Moreover, the regulator has sought specific information from Boeing concerning other instances of uncommanded RAT deployments globally within the 787 fleet to identify any patterns or commonalities.
What are your thoughts on the recent RAT incident and its implications for aviation safety?
Similar Posts
Cebu Pacific Introduces Manila-Riyadh Route for Filipino Workers
Cebu Pacific (CEB) has exciting news for travelers! Starting March 1,…
Delta Launches 2 New African Routes and 1 in Mexico
Delta Air Lines is expanding its African network by launching new nonstop services from Atlanta to Marrakech, Morocco, starting October 25, and to Accra, Ghana, with seasonal daily flights beginning December 1. This expansion highlights Delta’s commitment to connecting U.S. travelers to Africa, offering easy access to these vibrant destinations. Since entering the African market in 2006, Delta has successfully transported over 7.5 million passengers. The airline’s investment in its Atlanta hub, which now features 67 international destinations, reinforces its status as a global travel gateway. Delta is also introducing new service to Cancun, Mexico, enhancing overall travel options.
IndiGo Expands A350 Orders to Launch European Ambitions
IndiGo, India’s top low-cost airline, has doubled its order for the Airbus A350-900 to 60 aircraft, marking a significant move in its long-haul strategy. Announced during the IATA Annual General Meeting in Delhi, this expansion includes an additional 30 firm orders, building on a previous agreement made in 2023. The first deliveries are expected in 2027, with initial routes likely targeting popular European destinations. IndiGo plans to launch flights to Amsterdam and Manchester in July using leased Boeing 787-9s, with aspirations to expand further into London, Copenhagen, and Athens, showcasing its commitment to connecting India with global markets.
Hawaiian Airlines Reveals Lilo & Stitch-Inspired A330 Livery
Hawaiian Airlines has launched a Disney-inspired Airbus A330 showcasing a vibrant livery themed around the beloved film, Lilo & Stitch, in celebration of the upcoming live-action adaptation set for May 23, 2025. The aircraft prominently features Lilo’s face and the movie title on its engines. This is the first of three planes in the Disney collaboration, with a narrowbody Airbus A321 to reveal Stitch’s artwork next week, and a Boeing 717 planned for June 2025. The initiative reflects Hawaiian Airlines’ commitment to ‘ohana’ and enhancing the travel experience with themes of family and friendship.
Embraer Partners with Airlink in Dubai to Enhance E195-E2 Fleet Support
Embraer has forged a new partnership in Dubai with South African…
Aeroflot Flight Diverts to Land After Unruly Passenger
A drunken passenger, Roman Pakhomov, forced an Aeroflot flight from Dubai to Moscow to make an emergency landing in Baku, Azerbaijan, after he attempted to smash a window and verbally abused crew and passengers. His disruptive behavior escalated despite efforts by fellow passengers and crew to restrain him. After authorities detained him for nearly three hours, Pakhomov claimed he had no memory of the incident due to intoxication. This highlights the aviation industry’s need for enhanced safety measures, such as robust pre-flight checks and effective in-flight action plans to address unruly behavior and ensure passenger safety.