2 near misses during poll flying stirs DGCA

Mumbai: After two major mishaps involving aircraft ferrying Union ministers on poll campaigns were averted in the past three weeks, a concerned Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has stressed on strict adherence of safety guidelines.
The aviation regulatory body is investigating the reasons behind the two near misses -- one with Health Minister Salman Khurshid, the other with Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh -- that came despite a DGCA circular on meticulous observance of guidelines, keeping in mind the busy election season when politicians and public personalities tend to fly more frequently to campaign.
"Both the cases were brought to our notice and we are investigating the cause. We have already issued a detailed circular for the operation of small aircraft/helicopters in adherence to the safety guidelines during this election. We are also convinced that during elections, flight movements are planned randomly, sometimes in violation of the safety guidelines. If violations are found, we would be bound to take some harsh decisions [against airline operators]; we cannot put the life of VIPs in danger," said a DGCA source.
The sources confirmed that the regulatory body is scrutinising the entire flight schedule submitted by operators.
14/02/12 Bipin Kumar Singh/MiD DAY

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Categories: Safety Feb 2012