Issuing instructions to this effect, the civil aviation regulator has said that no punitive action would be taken if there was an unscheduled landing in case of an emergency.
In such a situation, the pilot should immediately land the chopper at a “suitable place”, it directed.
The DGCA move comes following a recommendation made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture that sought “adequate” legal protection to pilots to decline to fly “in the absence of mandatory technical or weather clearances.”
Expressing concern over several instances of forceful chopper landings and take-offs in low visibility, bad weather and even during nights, the committee headed by CPM leader Sitaram Yechury had suggested that “some kind of penal provision” may be considered against those putting such pressure on them without clearances.
“Pilots are put under pressure not to oppose these deficiencies due to commercial or other reasons. It happens mainly in case of chartered helicopters and those flying VIPs. Such violations of rules have led to fatal accidents and loss of several precious lives,” it had noted.
At a meeting last week, Director-General of Civil Aviation E K Bharat Bhushan asked all helicopter operators to strictly adhere to safety parameters and follow the laid-down procedures while flying during elections and in hilly areas.
Stressing that safety was a shared responsibility of the operators and the regulator, the DGCA chief also warned the operators of strict action in case of violation of these procedures. Of the 271 helicopters in the country, 209 are engaged in commercial non-scheduled operations.
According to sources, the government will implement a series of measures to make helicopter operations safer, including training chopper pilots in handling various kinds of emergency situations with the use of simulators.
It would also introduce a safety management system in line with those in place in other many countries. The deteriorating conditions of a large number of helipads across the country, mostly under the control of state governments, will also be addressed separately.
As part of the action plan, priority will be given on analysing data relating to fatal accidents and non-fatal incidents and implementation of recommendations of inquiry panels.