DGCA has one inspector for checking 200 helicopters

New Delhi: Looking into the safety of helicopter operations in India is a one-man show. Literally!
India's apex aviation body --the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) -- has only one inspector, that too part-time, to carry out vital air safety checks of over 200 helicopters deployed across India.
Sources told DNA that captain Arshad Ahmed, a Pawan Hans Limited pilot, doubles up as a flight inspector. The capabilities of DGCA to conduct regular helicopter inspections and the growing number of helicopters leave no doubt about the abysmal air safety standards in India.
To inspect fixed-wing aircraft in India, the DGCA has 26 flight inspectors, who are actually employed with various airlines.The Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI), a non-government organisation of retired air force pilots, has repeatedly told the government to look into helicopter safety operations in India.
Aviation expert A Ranganathan said: "The thorough inspection of a helicopter takes two days. So in a year, one man cannot even inspect all 200 helicopters..."
05/09/09 Yogesh Kumar/Daily News & Analysis

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

Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Sep 2009, Safety Sep 2009