The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) released new guidelines aimed at aircraft operators servicing VIPs and VVIPs, including state leaders such as chief ministers and governors. These measures are intended to ensure that flight crews are not subjected to any undue pressure that could potentially compromise safety.

This directive follows a tragic plane crash in January that resulted in the deaths of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four additional individuals. The DGCA emphasized the necessity for operators to adhere strictly to the Aircraft Rules and any relevant instructions or circulars, specifically highlighting that crew members should not face coercive tactics to carry out a flight.

Structured Coordination for Flight Changes

According to the DGCA’s issued guidelines, any last-minute adjustments to an established flight plan necessitated by VIP requests must be managed through the operator’s management team, rather than communicated directly to the flight crew. This approach is designed to mitigate any potential safety risks that may result from direct pressure on crew members. In its guidelines, the DGCA noted that past analyses of aviation incidents tied to VVIP flights often revealed safety regulations being violated, leading to dangerous operational practices.

Accountability during Election Flying

In the context of flights during elections, the guidelines stipulate that each operator must designate a responsible individual tasked with overseeing such operations. This designated person will be accountable for ensuring compliance with all regulatory instructions issued by relevant authorities, including DGCA, Airports Authority of India, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, and the Election Commission. It is mandated that the details of this individual are provided to the Flight Standards Directorate of DGCA prior to commencing any election-related flights.

Pilot Experience Requirements Enhanced

The guidelines also specify minimum experience levels for pilots operating non-scheduled flights for VVIPs. For fixed-wing aircraft, pilots are required to have a minimum of 3,000 flying hours, whereas helicopter pilots must have completed at least 2,000 flying hours. The DGCA noted that election-related flying demands high levels of skill, professionalism, and strategic thinking due to various challenges like extended flying hours, frequent take-offs and landings, improvised helipads, and altered itineraries amid heightened security concerns.

Respect for Crew Decisions Reinforced

The accountable manager of the operator must ensure that the individuals being transported understand and respect the decisions made by the flight crew and maintenance engineers regarding flight operations. Directions concerning whether to continue, divert, or abort a flight must be adhered to without external pressure influencing the crew’s judgment. Furthermore, flight crews are required to strictly observe weather minimums and conduct comprehensive weather briefings in compliance with established regulations prior to each flight.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share