Volume 8, Release 04
April 2016
T
he Operators are keen that AAI steps in to improve Communication, Navigational facilities and Airspace management in Bombay High Region for safe and efficient helicopter operation offshore which has remained very basic till date. We understand that the night offshore operations in Mumbai High primarily for medical evacuations were discontinued recently as the rules do not permit VFR operations at night beyond the vicinity of airfield. As an interim measure, DGCA has permitted medical evacuations by helicopter at night from offshore installations under VFR up to Mumbai Flight Information Region (FIR) and then onward under IFR to Santa Cruz Airport. This interim solution has more or less been the procedure that has prevailed over a decade. However, during the last two decades, owing to significant improvement in the capability of helicopters kitted for IFR, the helicopters are able to operate under IFR in many offshore sectors across the world with instrument rated aircrew. These improvements have also enabled helicopters to carry out medical evacuations onshore and offshore at night. All the operators who provide helicopter services to E&P Agencies like ONGC / RIL / BG / Cairn) in offshore sector, have IFR kitted helicopters and competent aircrew to operate these under IFR. However, as the airspace west of Mumbai Airport (Santa-Cruz) below FL- 070, being uncontrolled air space, IFR flights have not been possible. Time has come now for AAI to review the matter as the helicopter usage has intensified with increased offshore activities. These activities are bound to grow with major E&P Agencies that are prospecting in deeper waters up to a distance of 200 NMs. With increasing number of personnel deployed in offshore installations, the requirement to meet medical emergencies 24X7 by helicopters will also be growing. To ensure smooth and safe flow of helicopter traffic to offshore installations even under marginal weather conditions (such as during monsoon), it is critical to establish effective Communication and Navigation facilities and Airspace management in the offshore sectors. Converting the airspace from uncontrolled to controlled airspace will permit helicopters not only to operate safely over sea under IFR at night but also under marginal weather conditions during monsoon. Uninterrupted heli link, including medical evacuations between Mumbai & offshore installations being in the National interest, AAI must seriously consider extending ATS services to the most vital sector of our economy, the Energy sector. Such a step will be in the best interest of safety of offshore heli-ops.
Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) K. Sridharan VM (G) Editor-in-Chief
Safety Issues Associated with Safety of Heli Ops (Offshore) both in Bombay High & KGB RWSI has been carrying out Safety Workshops/Seminars regularly over the last 5 years on safety of Heli Ops (Onshore & Offshore). Many of the recommendations arrived at these events to enhance safety are still awaiting consideration by various agencies. During the meeting of 19 Apr 16 with DG, DGCA, it was agreed to receive a presentation on the subject from RWSI on 03 May 2016 at DGCA Hqs. The presentations will be made by the major stakeholders involved in the Helicopter Ops (offshore) who are also members of RWSI. Today, helicopters are quite reliable. Transfer of the workforce to and from offshore installations in an open sea environment is both challenging and hazardous. Emergencies do occur, whether as a result of mechanical failure or pilot error, and should be anticipated. The safety of those who rely on offshore helicopter flights is thus an absolute priority and regular efforts are required by all stake holders to ensure safe travel. Recent Civil Helicopter Accidents in the Country (including theAccident near Offshore Rig ‘WIS’in Bombay high) have adversely impacted the confidence of personnel/agencies using the helicopter services. A special report on the issues raised by the major stake holders at the event on 03 May’16 at DGCAmeeting will be published shortly.
Transport Chopper Pilots in NSOP category to undergo Proficiency Check: Govt Licence holders seeking to become pilot-in-command of transport helicopters will now have to undergo proficiency checks which will be valid for six months. The new norms would also be applicable for co-pilots of transport helicopters as well as that of transport aeroplanes. In this regard, the Civil Aviation Ministry has made amendments to the Aircraft Rules, 1937. This comes at a time when there are efforts to boost overall aviation safety in the country. "In order to act as a pilot-in-command or co-pilot on transport helicopters, the licence holder shall be required to undergo an appropriate proficiency check as specified by the Director General, in respect of the type of helicopter to be flown," a recent ministry notification said. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) would specify the relevant proficiency check and it would be valid for six months. Similarly, proficiency check would be required for licence holders looking to be a "co-pilot of transport aeroplanes having an all-up weight exceeding five thousand seven hundred kilograms". At a time, the validity of the proficiency check can be renewed for six months providing the fresh check is done two months before expiry. "In the case of renewal, the period of validity shall commence from the date of expiry of the previous validity provided that the check has been carried out within two months preceding the date of expiry," the notification said.
Unmanned Flying Devices NEW DELHI: In its e ff o r t s t o r e g u l a t e operations of unmanned flying devices like drones, which are increasingly posing challenge to regulators and personnel manning airspace, DGCA has come out with draft guidelines for civil use of such machines. According to the proposed guidelines, comments on which have been invited by May 21, drone users will have to secure permit a n d a u n i q u e identification number for their operations."Civilian use of UAS (unmanned aircraft system) includes damage assessment of property and life in areas affected with natural calamities, surveys; critical infrastructure monitoring, among others... UA (unmanned aircraft) operations present problems to the regulator in terms of ensuring safety of other users of airspace and persons on the ground," the DGCAsaid. However, in view of technological advancements in UAS over the years and their increased civil applications, it has become
necessary to develop guidance material to regulate this activity, it said."This circular lays down guidelines for obtaining UIN and operation of civil UAS... DGCA will register all civil unmanned aircraft and issue a UA operator permit (UAOP) on case-to-case basis," as per the draft guidelines. As of now, the aircraft rules do not cover use of drones as well as their sale and purchase. Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had in October 2014 restricted the use of drones and unmanned aircraft system by civilians. The aviation regulator has proposed the UIN to be granted to an Indian citizen or a company whose chairperson and two-thirds of its directors are Indian citizens. According to the draft guidelines, UA (unmanned aircraft) operations at or above 200 feet AGL (above ground level) in uncontrolled airspace will require permit from DGCA. Also, operations of civil UA (unmanned aircraft) in controlled airspace have been restricted under the proposed norms. However, according to the guidelines, civil UA operations below 200 ftAGL in uncontrolled airspace will not require a UAOP.
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Army's 'Shatrujeet' Exercise Concludes
Indian Navy Deploys ALH at Maldives
Tw o - m o n t h l o n g exercise "Shatrujeet," concluded on 23 Apr 16 in the presence of Chief of Army Staff, General Dalbir Singh in Bikaner in Rajasthan. General Singh, who witnessed exercise Shatrujeet on April 22 and 23, reportedly expressed satisfaction over the conduct of the exercise, declaring it as successful. During his visit, General Singh reviewed complex and integrated operational maneuvers of the formation”. Such exercises are conducted time to time to train our men,” the Army Chief told media persons and declared the exercise as successful. He further stated that the Corps practiced and honed the 'war fighting skills' during the exercise. Synergy between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force in executing air-land battle and the ability to orchestrate battle in network-centric environment were successfully validated. Aimed at 'sharpening' the army’s deep strike capabilities in enemy territory, the exercise saw the participation of over 30,000 soldiers.
One Indian Navy Advanced Light Helicopter MK III has been deployed at Maldives on 27 Apr 16. The helicopter will be b a s e d a t Kadhdhoo Island in Laamu Atol of Maldives. The helicopter will assist MNDF for undertaking Search And Rescue, Casualty Evacuation, Coastal Surveillance, Maritime Reconnaissance, Communication and Logistic Duties. The Indian Naval Contingent headed by Cdr Rohit Gupte, an experienced helicopter pilot, comprises of four officers and 21 sailors. The technical support team comprises 13 technicians and is headed by Lt Cdr Jithu K Joy. The support team with the spares and support equipment have already reached Male on 25 Apr 16. The ALH MK III landed at Male at 1630 hrs local time on 27 Apr 16 and was received by The Minister of Defence and National Security, His Excellency Mr. Adam Shareef and High Commissioner of India to Maldives, His Excellency ShriAkhilesh Mishra . The Advanced Light Helicopter (MKIII) has been manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and has a 'state of the art' avionics and is powered by Shakti engines. The detachment of the ALH would further strengthen the robust maritime cooperation between our two nations.
Regulator Considers Easing Aircraft Import Norms NEW DELHI: Domestic airlines might soon be allowed to import aircraft that are up to 18 years old, as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is proposing to ease the norms as the Government looks at boosting the Regional air connectivity in the country. Currently, local carriers are not allowed to import commercial aircraft that are more than 15 years old. For making the relaxation, aviation watchdog DGCA has proposed changes to a more than twodecade old regulatory framework pertaining to aircraft imports. The proposal to relax the aircraft import requirements comes at a time when the Government of India is in the final stages of preparing the new aviation policy that would focus on improving regional air connectivity, among other areas. The watchdog has proposed that pressurized aircraft that are to be imported should not have "completed 18 years of age or 50 per cent of operating cycle". A pressurized aircraft is one which is equipped to handle cabin pressure at an altitude of above 10,000 feet. Besides, such aircraft should not have completed "15 years of age or 75 per cent of design economic life or 45,000 pressurization cycle". These norms, once in place, would be applicable for use in scheduled, non-scheduled and general aviation operations. With respect to un-pressurized aircraft, the decision on whether to give approval for import or not would be taken on a case to case basis after complete examination of the record of the particular aircraft being procured.
Normally, DGCA does not allow import of unpressurized aircraft that are more than 20 years old."Aircraft intended to be imported for air cargo operations shall not have completed 25 years in age or 75 per cent of its design economic cycles or 45,000 landing cycles," the regulator said. Changes are being suggested to the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) related to 'Age of aircraft to be imported for scheduled / non-scheduled including charter, general aviation and other operations'. This CAR was issued way back in 1993. The latest amendments have been proposed after detailed consultations amongst technical experts in the DGCA. According to the regulator, since the publication of the CAR more than two decades ago, studies were conducted by international aviation community on the correlation between fatal accidents and age of the aircraft."Such studies have not clearly established that there is a correlation between accident rate and aircraft age up till eighteen years.” "Considering that modern commercial air transport jet aircraft are significant economic assets that can have an effective economic useful life of decades, the restriction imposed on import of aged aircraft is cautiously revised," DGCAsaid. Generally, jet aircraft manufacturers prescribe a design economic life for their planes which extend to 20 years or 60,000 landings / pressurization cycles.A minimum standard for aircraft life is prescribed to ensure that the plane does not have problems of corrosion, stress - fatigue, metal fatigue and cracks, among others, in areas which are normally not accessible during even major checks.
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RWSI-Training RWSI Training Faculty Maintains its Tempo in Handling Ground Training in April 2016 RWSI has been the first Aviation activities related Organization in the country to start ground training courses for civil helicopter pilots in September 2004. Since then, a total of 4333 candidates have benefitted from 250 courses conducted by RWSI on various subjects. RWSI is continuously putting effort in developing and maintaining its training programmes. During the FY 2015-16, it trained a total of 1202 pilots in various courses. In April 2016,it trained 100 candidates at Mumbai, Pune Jamshedpur and Noida. RWSI training faculty comprising of volunteer instructors with excellent professional standing, have carried out ground training for 4333 industry professionals in wide ranging subjects including Special VFR & Recurrent Training (replaced recently by Procedure Training), Monsoon Adverse Weather Operations, SMS, Human Factors, DGR Awareness Training, CRM & Survival Training, Accident Prevention andAccident Investigation Courses. The feedback received from the participants ranged from very good to excellent. The feedback reports on the contents of the courses are regularly being analysed by the Training Faculty for further improvement and also communication to the trainees.
RWSI Training Schedule for the Month of May 2016 Kindly forward the names of your candidates with the following details to office@rwsi.org Name of the Participant: License Number: Name of the Operator: Mobile Number: Email Address: For further detail please contact Capt.V P Mathur, CGI, M.:9560039750
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