New DGCA rule a breather to chopper pilots

New Delhi: Helicopter pilots will not be prosecuted now on if they refuse to fly or undertake unscheduled landings in case of bad weather or an emergency, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issuing instructions to this effect.
The DGCA has instructed that "no punitive action would be taken" if there was an unscheduled landing in case of an emergency, like bad weather, is faced by the pilot, official sources said.
In such a situation, the pilot should immediately land the chopper at a "suitable place", they said quoting the instructions.
The DGCA move followed a recommendation by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture that said pilots should be provided "adequate legal protection to decline to fly in absence of mandatory technical or weather clearances."
In its recent report, the committee headed by CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury also suggested that "some kind of penal provision may be considered against those putting such pressure on them without clearances."
10/07/11 NDTV.com

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Jul 2011