Helicopter professionals seek policy for chopper industry

New Delhi: In a submission before the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI) has said there was an urgent need to formulate an Integrated National Aeronautical Policy that would take into account the short and long-term needs of the helicopter industry.
The RWSI said the areas of synergies should also include common facilities for skill development of pilots, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and product support.
Noting that the industry was facing problems relating to operation and maintenance of helicopters, it said these were not only confined to the regulatory authority or the Directorate General of Civil Aviation but have to be resolved by several departments under the Ministry.
Helicopter operations are set to expand and play a key role in the near future in providing emergency medical services, policing and emergency restoration projects like fixing faults on high power transmission lines. It can also play a role in news gathering and aerial surveillance.
In the paper, the RWSI said there was an urgent need to recognise the potentials of helicopters and framing of rules depending on the various roles these would play.
On financial and fiscal issues, the helicopter professionals' body wanted rationalisation of tax on aviation turbine fuel used by choppers and bringing sales tax rates down to four per cent. It suggested abolition of octroi duty on import of helicopters and spares. The government has already removed customs duty on helicopters and their spares to give impetus to the industry.
10/01/10 PTI/Economic Times

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Jan 2010