1 man checks 233 choppers

That's the 'stringent' safety check pvt helicopters undergo

1 man checks 233 choppers

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1 man checks 233 choppers

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That's the 'stringent' safety check pvt helicopters undergo

With the campaign trail in full swing, political parties across India are chartering helicopters to ensure their hop, skip and jump tours (sometimes five places in a day) happen without a hitch.

"With the growing number of civil helicopters and an increase in air traffic, this may end up being a serious safety hazard if the Airports Authority of India (AAI) does not take action," said Air Commodore Ashok Rai, co-chairman (grading and discipline committees), Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI).

RWSI is a non-profit professional society working with the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA) for the growth of the civil and military helicopter industry in India.

A Helicopter Flight Inspector, as per DGCA requirements carries out checks on operational aspects of the operator. These include ensuring the adequacy of facilities, equipment, operating procedures and practices, and the competence of administrative, flight and ground personnel.

The inspector is also required to conduct periodic inspections and surveillance of airlines and aircrew to ensure that the required standards of flight despatch and operations are maintained in order to provide a safe and reliable air transportation service to the public.

MOCA officials refrained from commenting on the issue of a single Helicopter Flight Inspector citing the model code of conduct. Naseem Zaidi, director general, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), said that the government had decided to bridge the staff shortage gap by adopting the 'secondment' policy.

As per this policy, helicopter operators depute their examiners to carry out periodic safety and efficiency checks as directed by the DGCA. However, sources said that since the examiners are from the company,
they tend to overlook safety glitches.

"Their salaries and all expenses will continue to be borne by the original employer though all the dos and don'ts will be directed by the DGCA," explained a retired Maharashtra government helicopter pilot.

The big ones
>> Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd operates 35 choppers
>> Global Vectra Helicorp has 29 helicopters
>> Corporate houses and starred hotels together own 16 helicoptersu00a0
>> Most others (including individuals) own one chopper eachu00a0

Flying Low
Just one Helicopter Flight Inspector for 233 civil helicopters in India
Single helicopter cell in Delhi, need for decentralization of operations according to flight information region (north, west, east, south) needed.
Sharing of examiners and instructions for carrying out periodic checks (orders issued by DGCA on March 1)
No separate helicopter wing in Airports Authority of India
Separate corridors and procedures for handling helicopter air traffic yet to be notified
No online clearance facility yet