Juhu chopper operators want ATCs to improve coordination

Six months after helicopter operations were shifted to Juhu from Mumbai’s CSIA, chopper operators have approached the Mumbai ATC to improve coordination between the two ATCs and reduce delays. Operators say that despite helicopter corridors over Mumbai airspace, pilots at times end up waiting for an hour or two at Juhu airport or at the Mahalaxmi racecourse helipad, before clearance comes from Mumbai ATC.
“Transfer of corporate directors and senior business executives from helicopters to private jets parked at Mumbai is currently hampered. Limited operation of corporate helicopters at Santacruz airport should be allowed for better connectivity,” said Captain Uday Gelli, president of the Western Region Rotary Wings Society of India. “Operations out of Mahalakshmi helipad need to be streamlined for quick clearances for departures from the helipad. There have been instances when business heads using their helicopters had to wait for long periods to get clearance from Mumbai ATC,” he said.
A Mumbai ATC official who was present at a coordination meeting with Juhu operators, both ATCs, and the DGCA earlier this week, said operators had made “certain demands, which cannot be met.”
01/07/11 Ranjani Raghavan/Indian Express

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Categories: Airports Jul 2011, Indian Aviation- In General Jul 2011