MHA’s diktat on choppers may impact Netas

New Delhi: A recent home ministry diktat on strict implementation of security procedures while giving licenses to choppers could impact tour programmes of many politicians in the run-up to the general elections. The recent instruction is creating hurdles in giving fresh licences for new imported aircraft even as there is a major shortage of helicopters in the country.
According to industry estimates, Indian market needs more than 450 to 500 helicopters. “After 26/11, we double check before giving licences of imported aircraft. The home ministry had written to the civil aviation ministry to scan all documents before a final go ahead is given. The rules require the name of the end-user be made available before permission is given for import. If a foreign aircraft is not registered domestically within 15 days of its reaching Indian shores, it has to go back to the country from where it came,” says a senior official in the ministry of civil aviation.
According to this official, there have been at least five to six cases of aircraft being sent back as the owners were unable to get them registered on time. The ministry of civil aviation, which screens the import of aircraft for airlines and non-scheduled operators including charter companies says that the government is going strictly by the book when it comes to giving licences for imported aircraft. Meanwhile, the demand for helicopters in the coming months is expected to increase by 40% to 50% as booking for election duty and election campaigning has already started.
22/03/09 Raja Awasthi/Economic Times

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Mar 2009