VIP charter pilots can now refuse to fly in unsafe conditions

NEW DELHI: Pilots flying VVIPs, including Z+ category SPG protectors, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Vice Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Justice of India, Chief Ministers and Governors, will now have the power to firmly refuse to fly if it is unsafe for any reason.After Maharashtra Deputy Minister CM Ajit Pawar and four others were killed in a small plane crash in January this year, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday issued a new set of “guidelines for transportation of central, state and other dignitaries by air”.“…Crews (should not) be put under undue stress by performing flights that may affect operational safety. Any last-minute changes to scheduled flights due to VIP requirements should be coordinated solely through the organization’s management and not directly with the crew,” the new rules say.Additionally, the guidance says only experienced pilots should operate such flights if they are well maintained, last reported deficiencies have been corrected and experienced pilots have.The Directorate General of Civil Aviation noted that VVIPs frequently use (small) aircraft and helicopters for campaigning and other purposes and said, “An analysis of earlier accidents/incidents related to the movement of aircraft to and from airports/temporary helipads and flights during elections has frequently revealed violations of instructions and safety was at risk. All parties involved must take adequate measures to ensure that such flights are operated to the highest safety standards.”“The move is aimed at insulating pilots from pressure as politicians often insist on flying to attend public meetings, even as the sky grows dark.One charter operator with decades of experience said, “These new rules allow us to deny VIPs the ability to operate flights if it is unsafe. I have gotten into trouble myself in my years for pointing out any reason, such as weather, that the operation was unsafe.” Now, while we are responsible for maintaining the aircraft and obtaining landing approvals, the responsibility for a safe flight lies with everyone on board. This new rulebook makes this abundantly clear.“Now, the new directive issued by DGCA also requires twin-engine aircraft to have at least two crew members and provide good operational capabilities for VVIPs.It also said that 24 hours before the flight, the state government, PSUs, aircraft operators and pilots must ensure the availability of a suitable helipad or airstrip for landing. Additionally, regional authorities are required to issue a landing permit or no-objection certificate before an aircraft can land at a remote or uncontrolled airport or helipad. State and territory administrations must provide information on the status of the helipad or airstrip as well as coordinates, safety, fire and rescue arrangements.