DGCA tightens VVIP flight rules
In a move to enhance safety, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday issued a fresh guidelines for certain categories of VVIPs including Z+ category SPG protectees, Lok Sabha speaker, Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson, central ministers of cabinet rank, Chief Justice of India, Chief Ministers, Governors and state ministers of cabinet rank, saying pilots operating VVIP flights shall not be subjected to undue pressure.
"Flight crew is not subjected to undue pressure for undertaking a flight which may impact safety of operations," the order stated. The order stated that any last minute changes to the planned flight due to VIP requirements should be coordinated through the company management only and not directly with the crew.
The guidelines, applicable for non-scheduled aircraft and helicopter operators carrying VVIPs. The directions come two months after the fatal air crash in Baramati which resulted in death of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar.
The order covers various aspects including aircraft airworthiness requirements, crew qualifications, airfield conditions and other operational and safety issues.
"Analysis of earlier accidents/incidents associated with aircraft operations to/from airstrips/temporary helipads and during election flying has often revealed violations 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 fights," it said.
The order which was issued on Friday also asks charter operators and state governments to keep a pamphlet in the aircraft indicating capability and limitations of that aircraft. It must also mention planning and conduct of the flight are professional responsibilities that must remain under the sound judgment of flights crew and engineers.
The pamphlet should also state VIP passengers respect decisions taken by the crew regarding diversions and that they be free from any external pressure or undue influence.
The guidelines mandated that the aircraft operator shall ensure that flight operations are in accordance with the Aircraft Rules and instruction/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 fast minutes changes to the planned flight due to VIP requirements should be coordinated through the Organization's management only. and not directly with the crew.
The DGCA has mandated the use of twin-engine aircraft with a minimum of two crew members, stressing "good operational capability, reliability and easy maintainability" as non-negotiable requirements.
It has also made it compulsory for operators and state aviation departments to brief VVIP passengers about aircraft limitations and operational constraints before take-off. "The planning and conduct of the flight are professional responsibilities that must remain under the sound judgment of the flight crew and AMEs. They should be free from any external pressure or undue influence," the DGCA said.
"The flight crew shall ensure strict compliance of weather minima and proper weather briefing before commencement of flights as per existing regulations. Before Commencement of flight, the Pilot in Command shall familiarize himself with necessary meteorological information required for the intended flight. For every flight under Instrument Flight Rules, the pilot shall study the current weather reports and forecast and plan alternative course of action to provide for the eventuality that the flight may not be completed as planned because of weather conditions," it said.
