DGCA sets stricter rules for VIP flights after Ajit Pawar plane crash

The guidelines, applicable for non-scheduled aircraft and helicopter operators carrying VVIPs, also come against the backdrop of the fatal plane crash in January that killed Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others.

Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Friday issued guidelines for aircraft operators flying VIPs and VVIPs, including chief ministers and governors, and emphasised that the crew should not be subjected to any undue pressure for operating a flight that might impact safety.

The guidelines, applicable for non-scheduled aircraft and helicopter operators carrying VVIPs, also come against the backdrop of the fatal plane crash in January that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others.

DGCA said the aircraft operator should ensure that the flight operations are in accordance with the Aircraft Rules and instructions/order/circular issued from time to time and flight crew are not subjected to undue pressure for undertaking a flight which may impact safety of operations.

"Any last-minute changes to the planned flight due to VIP requirements should be coordinated through the organisation's management only, and not directly with the crew," it said.

Issuing the guidelines, DGCA also said an analysis of earlier accidents/incidents associated with aircraft operations to/from airstrips/temporary helipads and during election flying of VVIPs has often revealed violation of instructions and safety was jeopardised.

"It is essential that adequate measures are taken by all concerned to ensure the highest standards of safety for the operation of such flights," the DGCA said.

Election flying regulations

With respect to election flying, the watchdog said each operator should nominate a responsible person for managing such flights, and the person would be accountable for ensuring compliance with all instructions issued by the authorities concerned.

The person would have to follow the instructions issued by DGCA, AAI (Airports Authority of India), BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security) and the Election Commission. The person's particulars should be submitted to the Flight Standards Directorate, DGCA, before commencement of election flying, as per the order.

The Pilot In Command (PIC) of a non-scheduled aircraft flying VVIPs should have a total experience of at least 3,000 flying hours, and in the case of helicopters, it has to be 2,000 flying hours experience.

"Election flying is a highly demanding exercise in terms of skill levels, professionalism and tact," the regulator said, and mentioned about various challenges in this regard, including long flying hours, a large number of take-offs and landings, hurriedly prepared helipads, frequent changes in itinerary and highly stressed security arrangements.

Respecting flight crew decisions

According to the order, the operator's accountable manager should inform the person being flown to respect the decisions taken by the flight crew, aircraft maintenance engineers and other professionals involved in flight planning and dispatch.

The decisions taken by them regarding continuation, diversion or aborting of the flight should be respected, and the crew must remain free from any external pressure of undue influence, as per the order.

Among other requirements, the flight crew should ensure strict compliance with weather minima and proper weather briefing before commencement of flights as per existing regulations.