SpiceJet pilots grounded for coffee cup in cockpit: What do Indian aviation rules say?

A cup full of beverage inside a cockpit has landed two SpiceJet pilots in trouble.

The private Indian airline has grounded its pilots after a picture of an open coffee cup perched on the flight deck’s centre console was widely shared on social media earlier this week.

While the pilots are not visible in the image, the cup – which had the airline’s logo​ – can be seen dangerously placed on a start lever of the plane. The hands of the pilots holding gujiyas – a sweet dish – can also be seen.

The viral photo prompted outrage online with many calling out the pilots over their purported reckless behaviour.

A SpiceJet spokesperson has said that both pilots have been taken off the roster pending an inquiry.

“SpiceJet has a strict policy (regarding) consumption of food inside the cockpit which is adhered by all flight crew. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken upon completion of the investigation,” the spokesperson told CNN.

Why has the incident caused furore? What do the aviation rules say? Let’s understand.

‘Criminal act’

The picture was taken when the aircraft was cruising at 37,000 feet at a speed of 975 kmph, as per The Times of India (TOI). 

The incident took place on the Spicejet Delhi flight bound for Assam’s Guwahati on 8 March, the day when the Holi festival was celebrated this year.

⁦@CaptShaktiLumba⁩ ⁦@AwakenIndia⁩ ⁦@leofsaldanha⁩ ⁦@NarendranKs⁩ ⁦@OMRcat⁩ ⁦@jagritichandra⁩ ⁦@nambath⁩ ⁦@JM_Scindia⁩ Samosa and tea at 37000ft, cruising at 0.79M!Even horoscope cant save you if there is an emergency