Navy opposes Tatas' roof-top landing

New Delhi: Days after the aviation ministry allowed the group to have a roof-top helipad for private use at the Taj Wellington Mews Luxury Residences, Colaba, the Indian Navy has opposed the move. The Navy has pointed out that its own air station is just a "stone's throw" from the hotel and that the decision was taken without consulting it.
The Taj Mews had become the second building to be allowed a roof top as only the Essar Building in Mahalakshmi (also in Mumbai) has the facility in India. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had last month issued the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the Taj rooftop helipad. ''The Navy was not even aware of this decision. Being very close to the Naval air station that is also in Colaba, movement of helicopters from the hotel will affect our movement," said a senior official.
The Navy is examining the issue of Tatas operating chopper flights from Mews and will route its recommendations to the defence ministry, who will send the same to the aviation ministry. The helipad was to be used for providing faster access to the group captains to the airport as also to fly to other nearby places with prior permission.
09/08/07 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: General Aviation Aug 2007, New Aug 2007, Safety Aug 2007