Air ambulances fly baraatis now

Bangalore: Two years ago, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) showcased an air ambulance built using a second-hand Chetak. It flew very few medical sorties. After that, it has only been flying bridegrooms to baraats, showering flowers over VVIP statues and for temple functions.
"We built the copter to popularise the concept of air ambulances. All hospitals say it's a dire need. But there is no call," says Wg Cdr (retd) C D Upadhyay, chief test pilot (rotary wing).
Coordination has been a major constraint. The rule book of the Director General of Civil Aviation - responsible for implementing, controlling and supervising airworthiness standards, safety operations, crew training in India - does not permit choppers to fly in areas not designated for landing.
"We don't have many designated areas. But, talented pilots can even land by the roadside. Local police should help us in cordoning off the area, but this never happens in time," Upadhyay says. It once ferried a Japanese woman with a broken spine from Badami House to a private hospital.
But it's been put to other uses as well. Some time ago, it dropped a wedding party in Tumkur. On occasions, it has showered flowers. "We use it for such purposes, so that we can at least raise money for its maintenance. There is a little profit as well," he says.
Another problem is who bears the cost - the patient, treating hospital or insurance company. HAL plans to work with hospitals like Manipal and Wockhardt in Bangalore and MVJ College in Hoskote to evolve a viable plan.
06/06/07 Pushpa Narayan/Times of India

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Categories: General Aviation Jun 2007, New Jun 2007