Captain Fariel Operates Int’l Flight Breaching Aviation Rules

Pilot Captain Fariel Bilkis Ahmed allegedly violated aviation regulations by operating four overseas flights without a valid medical certificate for 38 days.

According to the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Act, 20171, pilots are required to undergo periodic medical examinations and obtain a medical certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) before they can operate any aircraft. Any breaches of this regulation are punishable offenses under the law, with penalties ranging from imprisonment to fines to cancellation of licenses.

This irregularity came to light during an investigation by Banglabarta, which obtained the flight records and medical certificates of Captain Fariel from reliable sources. Banglabarta will continue to follow up on this issue and report any further developments.

Captain Fariel is currently employed with Bangladesh Biman, the national flag carrier, operating a Boeing 737 aircraft. However, she conducted flights illegally while serving as the first officer of the Boeing 777, a larger and more complex aircraft. Faryal’s medical certificate was valid until September 30, 2021. Her subsequent medical examination took place on November 8, 2021. Consequently, she operated flights on four international routes without a valid medical certificate for 38 days, including undergoing simulator training.

Investigations also revealed that on October 12, 2021, Fariel flew from Dhaka to Wuhan and back, carrying 419 passengers, despite lacking a valid medical certificate. Similarly, on October 15, 2021, she operated flights from Dhaka to Guangzhou and back, with over 400 passengers, again without the requisite medical clearance. These flights were part of the government’s initiative to repatriate stranded Bangladeshis from China amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The manner in which Fariel conducted flights and simulator training with an expired medical certificate has raised serious concerns within the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority, which is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of civil aviation in the country. 

Meanwhile, officials emphasize that operating any aircraft without a valid medical certificate is a punishable offense, with potential financial repercussions for the operating airline in the event of an accident.

According to the Civil Aviation Rules, 1984, the operator of an aircraft is liable to pay compensation for any damage caused by the aircraft to any person or property on land or water, unless the operator proves that the damage was not due to any negligence or other wrongful act or omission on their part or on the part of their employees or agents.

Notably, if any of the four flights operated by Captain Fariel within 38 days had resulted in an accident, the aircraft would not have been covered by insurance, potentially leading to substantial financial losses for Bangladesh Biman. As per the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Act, 2017, Fariel will face a suspension of 360 days, and Bangladesh Biman could be fined a minimum of 40 lakh taka for her four illegal flights.

Moreover, Fariel’s participation in simulator training without a valid medical certificate raises additional questions regarding adherence to safety protocols. Simulator training is a mandatory requirement for pilots to maintain their proficiency and competency in operating different types of aircraft. Both Fariel and the examiner who conducted her simulator examination could face penalties for this oversight, as per the Civil Aviation Regulations.

Despite repeated attempts to contact Captain Fariel and Shafiul Azim, managing director and CEO of Bangladesh Biman, they have not responded to inquiries.

Aviation expert Kazi Wahidul Alam criticized the incident of operating without a valid medical certificate and called for strict monitoring and enforcement of aviation regulations.

"We are witnessing repeated violations of aviation rules by pilots without appropriate consequences. It is imperative for airlines to enforce strict disciplinary measures to ensure safety and integrity," he added.