DGCA calls helicopter operators' meet

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) called a meeting of all helicopter operators on Thursday, following the death of Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Dorjee Khandu in a chopper crash on Saturday. HT reports.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) called a meeting of all helicopter operators on Thursday, following the death of Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Dorjee Khandu in a chopper crash on Saturday. DGCA has asked all helicopter operators to follow Civil Aviation Requirements and Aircraft Rules, especially when flying VIPs, sources said.

HT Image

"The helicopter carrying the Khandu was flying at a very high altitude and had a single engine, both of which are not allowed," said a DGCA official.

DGCA chief EK Bharat Bhushan couldn't be reached for comments over the phone despite repeated attempts.

The ministry has also appointed a committee of inquiry headed by Air Marshal (Retd.) PS Ahluwalia to inquire into the circumstances of accident of Pawan Hans helicopter. The committee will also make recommendations to avoid recurrence of such accidents in future.

PMO seeks report
The Prime Minister's Office has asked the aviation ministry for a report on steps taken to make VIP helicopter operations more secure following the 2009 crash that claimed Andhra Pradesh CM YSR Reddy's life.

After the crash, the DGCA came out with norms that said the chief pilot, while operating VIP flights, should possess a commercial pilot licence or airline transport pilot licence with at least 2,000 hours, including 500 hours of experience as pilot-in-command, and at least 10 hours of night flying experience.