Pilots of VIP charters can now refuse to fly in unsafe conditions | India News
New Delhi: Pilots flying VVIPs including Z-plus category SPG protectors, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Deputy Chairperson of Rajya Sabha, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Justice of India, Chief Ministers and Governors are now empowered to put down their legs and refuse to fly if it is not safe to do so for any reason.After the death of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others in a small plane crash this January, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday issued a new set of “guidelines for carriage of Centre, State and other dignitaries by air”.“…Flight crews (should not) be subjected to undue pressure to take a flight that could affect the safety of the operation. Any last-minute changes to planned flights due to VIP requirements should be coordinated only through the organization’s management, and not directly with the crew,” the new rules said.In addition, the guidelines also state that only well-maintained planes or helicopters, with the latest reported defects corrected and very experienced pilots will operate such flights.Noting that VVIPs use “(small) aircraft and helicopters for electioneering and frequent air travel for other purposes, the DGCA said, “Analysis of previous accidents/incidents related to operation of aircraft from/to airstrips/temporary helipads has revealed frequent violations of instructions during election flying and taking all precautions to ensure safety. The highest standards of safety for the operation of such flights.“The move is aimed at taking the pressure off pilots as politicians often insist on flying for public meetings, even in fading light.“These new rules make it possible for us not to ask VIPs to operate a flight if it’s not safe to do so,” said one charter operator of decades. Now that we are responsible for aircraft maintenance and landing clearances, the responsibility for a safe flight rests with everyone on board. This new rulebook makes that clear.“Now the DGCA has issued new directives mandating twin-engine aircraft with a minimum crew of two and good operational capability for VVIPs.It also said that 24 hours before take-off, state governments, PSUs, aircraft operators and pilots must ensure the existence of a suitable helipad or air strip for landing. Also, the district authority has to issue landing permission or no-objection certificate before landing aircraft at remote or uncontrolled airports or helipads. State and district administrations should facilitate information on the status of a helipad or an airstrip including coordinates, security, fire and rescue measures.
