Image 🙁 Purely Representational Purpose Only)
Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued guidelines for aircraft operators flying VIPs and VVIPs, including chief ministers and governors, and emphasised that the crew should not be subjected to any undue pressure for operating a flight that might impact safety.
According to PTI report, The guidelines, applicable for non-scheduled aircraft and helicopter operators carrying VVIPs, also come against the backdrop of the fatal plane crash in January that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others.
DGCA said the aircraft operator should ensure that the flight operations are in accordance with the Aircraft Rules and instructions/order/circular issued from time to time and flight crew are not subjected to undue pressure for undertaking a flight which may impact safety of operations.
“Any last-minute changes to the planned flight due to VIP requirements should be coordinated through the organisation’s management only, and not directly with the crew,” it said.
Issuing the guidelines, DGCA also said an analysis of earlier accidents/incidents associated with aircraft operations to/from airstrips/temporary helipads and during election flying of VVIPs has often revealed violation of instructions and safety was jeopardised.
“It is essential that adequate measures are taken by all concerned to ensure the highest standards of safety for the operation of such flights,” the DGCA said.
