Four major crashes of BSF aircrafts-three choppers and one fixed-wing plane-in less than five years have raised serious questions about the paramilitary force's air wing. It saw three chopper crashes in about eight months between May 13, 2011, and January 15, 2012. Last week, a Beech Super King B-200 aircraft (VT-BSA)crashed at IGI Airport killing all 10 on board.
Aviation experts and those with inside knowledge of BSF's air wing have pointed out issues that may be responsible for its poor safety record. BSF is the only non-civilian or paramilitary organisation in India whose aircraft and flying crew is governed and licensed by DGCA.
The BSF Air Wing is 'technically' headed by air vice-marshals (IG Air) who are not qualified on DGCA-registered aircraft. They head a fleet of Super King aircraft not present in IAF. Among fixed-wings, BSF has Avros and Embraers 135 legacy aircraft, which IAF has in military registration and fly under different rules. While the focus of defence flying is goal-based, civil flying is safety-based. But BSF has Super Kings of which IAF has no expertise of, said a source.
"There has been an issue of BSF allowing pilots with insufficient experience to fly its machines, which has possibly led to such a poor safety record. While these pilots are technically qualified to fly under good circumstances, their lack of experience makes them vulnerable in trying circumstances," said a source.
31/12/15 Saurabh Sinha/The Times Of India
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Aviation experts and those with inside knowledge of BSF's air wing have pointed out issues that may be responsible for its poor safety record. BSF is the only non-civilian or paramilitary organisation in India whose aircraft and flying crew is governed and licensed by DGCA.
The BSF Air Wing is 'technically' headed by air vice-marshals (IG Air) who are not qualified on DGCA-registered aircraft. They head a fleet of Super King aircraft not present in IAF. Among fixed-wings, BSF has Avros and Embraers 135 legacy aircraft, which IAF has in military registration and fly under different rules. While the focus of defence flying is goal-based, civil flying is safety-based. But BSF has Super Kings of which IAF has no expertise of, said a source.
"There has been an issue of BSF allowing pilots with insufficient experience to fly its machines, which has possibly led to such a poor safety record. While these pilots are technically qualified to fly under good circumstances, their lack of experience makes them vulnerable in trying circumstances," said a source.
31/12/15 Saurabh Sinha/The Times Of India
