Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Pilots flying VVIPs, including Z-plus category SPG protectees, Lok Sabha speaker, Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson, cabinet ministers, Chief Justice of India, CMs and governors have now been empowered to put their foot down and refuse to fly if it is not safe to do so for any reason.Following the death of Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others in a small plane crash this Jan, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Friday issued a new set of “guidelines for carriage of central, state and other dignitaries by aircraft”.“…flight crew (should not be) 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,” the new rules said.Besides, the guidelines also said that only well-maintained planes or choppers, with last reported defects rectified, and very experienced pilots will operate such flights.Noting that VVIPs “use air travel frequently for electioneering and other purposes in (small) aircraft” and choppers, DGCA said, “Analysis of earlier accidents/incidents associated with aircraft operations to/from airstrips/temporary helipads and during election flying 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 operation of such flights.”The move aimed at insulating pilots from pressure as politicians often insist on flying for public meetings, even in fading light.A charter operator for decades said, “These new rules make it possible for us to say no to VIPs to operate flights if it is not safe to do so. In my several years, I have myself gotten into trouble for pointing out it may not be safe to operate due any reason like weather. Now while we are responsible for aircraft maintenance and getting landing approvals, the onus for a safe flight lies with everyone on board the plane. This new rulebook makes that amply clear.”Now issuing the new directives for DGCA has also mandated twin-engine aircraft with minimum two crew and good operational capability for VVIPs.It has also said that 24 hours before flying, state govts, PSUs, aircraft operators and the pilots must ensure the existence of a suitable helipad or air strip for landing. Besides, district authorities need to issue a landing permission or no-objection certificate before aircraft lands on a remote or uncontrolled airport or helipad. State and district administration have to facilitate information on the conditions for a helipad or an airstrip condition along with the coordinates, security, fire and rescue arrangement.
