The Day Two Diversions Were Avoided (Part 1)

THE DAY TWO DIVERSIONS WERE AVOIDED (PART 1)

Good decision-making, grounded in knowledge and logical thinking, is critical in any profession—but in aviation, it becomes vital. The environment is dynamic, conditions change rapidly, and there is no pause button. Every decision must be timely, precise, and safe.

On 11 February 2017, I was operating as a Type Rated Instructor on an Airbus A320 training flight from Bangalore to Chandigarh and back. It was only the trainee's second flight on the aircraft, with a safety first officer also in the cockpit. What started as a routine training sortie soon evolved into a situation demanding experience, composure, and quick thinking.

About 150 nautical miles from Chandigarh, we received weather information—visibility was 2000 meters, below the required 2400 meters for approach. The forecast suggested improvement by our arrival time, so I reduced speed (cost index zero) to conserve fuel and allow some buffer for holding. However, conditions did not improve as expected, and with Jaipur as a distant alternate, we were rapidly approaching Minimum Diversion Fuel.

With limited time, I decided to request a change of alternate to Delhi to increase holding endurance. With data link communication unavailable, the request had to be relayed through another aircraft and ATC. The alternate was initially changed to Dehradun, but considering operational constraints and the trainee's limited experience, I persisted—and just minutes before reaching critical fuel limits, Delhi was approved.

As visibility continued to remain below minima, I requested a change to Runway 29, anticipating better visibility due to sun position. The request was accepted. With fuel margins tightening, I positioned the aircraft closer to the final approach path to minimize delay. At the right moment, we commenced a VOR approach and landed safely at 1012 IST.

Post-landing, I provided a visibility assessment as per ATC's request based on visual reference at minima, which enabled another company aircraft in holding to commence its approach without delay.

What stood out that day was not just avoiding one, but two potential diversions—through situational awareness, teamwork, communication, and decisive action under pressure.

Key takeaways:

• Preparation and knowledge are non-negotiable
• Communication can overcome system limitations
• Experience helps convert uncertainty into opportunity
• Calm, timely decisions make all the difference

In aviation, the aircraft keeps moving, fuel keeps reducing, and conditions keep changing. There is no luxury of time—only the discipline to act when it matters most.