The civil aviation ministry has ordered a probe into the import of three trainer aircraft by the Aero Club of India (ACI), headed by Congress MP Capt. Satish Sharma, after it was found that the planes were not certified, the terms of reference were tweaked without the permission of regulator DGCA, and the machines were subsequently dumped.
However, even as the ministry investigates the tender process and has asked the club to produce documents related to payments made to the manufacturer of the CTLS aircraft, the DGCA has decided to amend rules to allow the registration and operation of the light sports aircraft.
ACI is the apex body of over 22 flying and gliding clubs and other aerosports organisations under the ministry, and is funded by the central government. It had placed orders for the three planes, each costing Rs 1 crore, in April 2011.
15/03/13 Ajmer Singh/Indian Express
