UP Govt cautious as alarm 'Bells' ring

Lucknow: The recent air crash involving the Bell helicopter which killed Andhra Pradesh chief minister YSR Reddy and his retinues, including the pilots, has come as an alarm bell for the UP government too. Reason: the state owns two such choppers, though of different versions.
Taking a lesson from the crash, the government has reviewed the working of the civil aviation department. Further, it has been decided not to take the risk of flying VVIPs in inclement weather conditions.
When asked to comment, Ravindra Singh, principal secretary, civil aviation, who is also part of the CM secretariat, said all pilots have been clearly told to adhere to the guidelines issued by the director general of civil aviation (DGCA).
He said the state has all the pilots on deputation from the Air Force and i-house maintenance facilities too are available here for all the aircraft.
However, what is being viewed with concern is that this was the second time when a Bell 430 helicopter was involved in a fatal crash. Earlier, Bell 430 crashed in 2008 in Bastar (Chhattisgarh) in which two pilots and an engineer were killed on the spot.
The only satisfaction for UP, however, is that it has Bell 412, added only last year to the state's civil aviation fleet, and a Bell 230 -- an eight-year-old model -- which is currently under complete overhaul and has been sent to Singapore for this purpose. The single engine Chetak is now being phased out for VVIP flying and put for auction.
Meanwhile, what gives a distinct edge to UP over other rival states is the brand new Augusta Grand, a new helicopter of faster speed being purchased from Italy. It is expected to arrive here tentatively next month.
06/09/09 Arvind Singh Bisht/Times of India

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