India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, has issued new guidelines for when aircraft and operators will fly VIPs and VVIPs, including governors and chief ministers, stressing that the crew should not be put under undue pressure when it comes to flight operations as it may impact security.
While applicable in cases where unscheduled planes and helicopters carry VVIPs, it comes after the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
The regulator stated that the flights will be conducted according to the aircraft rules and instructions/order/circular issued periodically and that the flight crew should not be subjected to undue pressure to continue the flight which could jeopardize the safety of the said operations.
“Any last-minute changes to the flight schedule due to VIP requests should be coordinated only through the organization’s management and not directly with the crew,” the guidelines said.
The DGCA, while issuing the instructions, noted that its analysis of previous incidents of aircraft flying to strips or makeshift airstrips or makeshift heliports when flying VVIPs during elections showed a number of instances where the instructions were violated, compromising security.
“It is imperative that all concerned take adequate measures to ensure the highest standards of safety for the operation of such flights,” the order said.
The regulator also specified that any last-minute changes to VIPs’ scheduled flight schedules must be coordinated with the organization’s management, not the crew.
He also instructed that “a twin-engine aircraft with a minimum of two crews and good operational capability, reliability and ease of maintenance should be used.”
Pilots engaged in these operations and using fixed-wing aircraft must have at least 3,000 hours of flying experience and 50 hours of night flying experience.
Those flying helicopters must have 2000 hours of flight experience and 10 hours of night flying.
DGC indicates electoral challenges
The DGCA has issued a warning regarding flying during the elections when leaders have to disembark in various areas. “Electoral flying is a very challenging exercise in terms of skill level, professionalism and tact,” the regulator said, listing the challenges in this regard. He said this can include long flight hours, multiple take-offs and landings, helipads that are ready in a hurry, frequent itinerary changes and tight security measures.
It also states that “The operator/flight crew shall ensure that no unauthorized cash, arms, ammunition, narcotics or illegal articles are carried on board the aircraft/helicopter as stipulated in the instructions issued by the Election Commission/MHA/BCAS.”
“Each operator shall appoint a responsible person for the management of election flying who shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with all instructions issued by DGCA, AAI, BCAS and the Election Commission and his details shall be submitted to the Directorate of Flight Standards, DGCA before commencement of election flying,” the order also said.
