Thenewsmanofindia.com
Dr. R.K. Tyagi, President – Elect, The Aeronautical Society of India, (AeSI) and former Chairman, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, (HAL), while appreciating Ministry of Civil Aviation for National Civil Aviation Policy and Regional Connectivity Scheme, called for schemes for higher usage of helicopters and sea planes in India. Dr. Tyagi was speaking as Chief Guest in National Seminar on “Challenges facing Commercial Heli operations” organized by Rotary Wing Society of India, (RWSI) at Mumbai. While the country as well as the Industry are progressing well, the number of Helicopters reduced from 271 in the year 2012-13 to 255 nos. in theyear 2015-16. The cost of operations has doubled and industry is operating on very thin margin thus having indirect safety implications. There is a need for priority action for creation of separate regulations and Heli hubs, Helicopter based emergency Medical services and introduction of web based platforms. He also emphasized the need of developing government strategy on sea plane usage in the country. India has a coast line of 7000 KMs plus and sea planes provide an excellent solution for coast line surveillance, coastal transportation and sea based remote area connectivity. He welcomed the introduction of Viability Gap Funding (VGF) in Regional Connectivity Scheme issued by Ministry of Civil Aviation on 21 st October, however, was of the view that the VGF quantum will be highly inadequate for Helicopter operations specially in connecting remote areas of the country. There is a need for suitable amendment in the Regional Connectivity Scheme accordingly.