rwsi-emonthly newsletter-july

Volume-10, Release-5

JULY 2016

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e understand the MOCA intends to finalize its regional connectivity scheme (RCS) which intends to provide air connectivity to remote routes by Aug 16. Our Members feedback on the scheme received at RWSI has already been forwarded to MOCA. Though the RCS is a key component of the recently passed National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), whose main objective is to “enhance regional connectivity through fiscal support and infrastructure development”, the helicopter operators have not evinced great interest to come out of any suggestions that would help launch a specific scheme that could take care to assist the growth of point to point travel in Regional/Sub Regional population centers under the overall umbrella of NCAP. As at the current juncture, the airfare cap is Rs 5000/- per hour per passenger for heli copters and the VGF component is Rs 7200/- per hour, the scheme makes it cost viable for helicopter operators to consider bidding for RCS. However, owing to unpredictable nature of Rupee Vs USD/Euro/GBP value, Direct Operating Costs of almost all helicopters may go up leaving the operator with low margins which may dissuade the operators to consider bidding for RCS. Specific Privileges scheme is therefore required for helicopters.

On principle, helicopters are meant for use as “Point to Point” mode of Air transportation and can never compete with fixed wing aircraft in cost of operation.

MOCA may need to consider encouraging the launch of Specific Privileges Scheme for helicopters with higher VGF component in view of the existing challenges associated with Helicopter Operations in the Country.

As of date in 2016 there are 255 helicopters in India. This strength in 2011 was 277. It’s a clear sign of negative growth is continuing. MOCA may need to address the following factors with a view to reduce the high cost of operation to make RCS attractive for Helicopters to Play their Role in Regional/Sub Regional Connectivity.

• Fuel Prices of 100 LL & ATF for helicopters vary at different locations. The cost of ATF varies as much as Rs18/- per liter between Bombay Airport and Juhu Airport which are within a distance of 1.5 km. ATF

should be brought in the declared goods category so that throughout India you have only 4% sales Tax. • Non- Availability of the infrastructure including approved heliports/helipads is a major • Non- Availability of the infrastructure including approved heliports/helipads is a major stumbling block. For example, Juhu airport which houses the largest number of civil helicopters does not have adequate hangar facilities. They also do not permit operators to set up Porta cabins.

• Rising cost of airport charges. Many small airports which will be serving the RCS have limited watch hours only to cater for scheduled commercial flights. For helicopters to operate at these airports during non-watch hours will result in requesting for extension of watch hours which will comes at heavy price.

• Regulatory challenges. Though DGCA had published draft CARs Section 8, Series H, Parts I, II and III after extensive stakeholder consultations last year with the aim of resolving outstanding bottlenecks for ease of operations as also to enhance safety, the CARs were not released as applicable regulations were to be based on National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016. Now that NCAP 2016 has been released, DGCA may need to harmonize its Regulations with the Policy at an early date.

Bureaucratic delays in granting permission to operate from Helipads in regular operation. Usage of helicopter in charter work in hinterland are delayed owing to bureaucratic delays in granting permission to operate from helipads in regular operation. These bottlenecks have discouraged helicopter operators to enter into scheduled services which is a precondition to avail VGF in RCS. If the benefits of RCS are to be extended to many population centers in hilly states not linked by air today, then specific privileges are required to be extended to “Point to Point” mode of Air transportation.

We in the Industry feel that a Scheme with Specific Privileges for Helicopters is required to Play their Role in Regional/Sub Regional Connectivity. Simultaneously MOCA may need to address the factors which can help to reduce the high cost of operation to make RCS attractive for Helicopters to Play their Role in Regional/Sub Regional Connectivity.

AVM (Retd.) K Sridharan VM (G) Editor-in-Chief, Rotor India

Subsidiary of PHL to Connect Capitals in Northeast Likely NEW DELHI: The Modi government is going to launch a new airline based out of Guwahati which would connect all state capitals in that part of the country, a move that’s going to give a big fillip to connectivity in Northeast India. The company will be a subsidiary of Pawan Hans Ltd and is likely to operate a fleet of 6 fixed-wing aircraft and 5 helicopters.

The subsidiary, with an equity base of Rs 150 crore, will be 51 per cent owned by Pawan Hans Ltd and the rest will be owned by North Eastern Council (NEC). The decision to create a new airline was taken at a meeting of all state chief ministers from the Northeast and Department of North Eastern Region Minister Shri. Jitendra Singh.

Currently, Alliance Air provides air connectivity to select cities in the region, which is based on the viability gap funding from the Analysts believe that the model is a proven one and will surely fetch income for Pawan Hans. “Pawan Hans’ plan is path-breaking and based on a proven model that countries like Indonesia, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Chile and many others have tried,” said Mark Martin, CEO and founder of Martin Consulting, an aviation advisory firm.•

MOCA Clears Proposals for development of small Airports in UP The Civil Aviation Ministry has recently cleared proposals for development of small airports in Uttar Pradesh, which goes to the polls next year. The move comes in the wake of the ministry’s recent announcement on launching a regional connectivity fund to subsidize flights to small towns.

The aviation ministry will extend Rs.400 crore assistance to develop Agra, Allahabad, Kanpur and Bareilly airports, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Dr.Mahesh Sharma said in a statement. Besides these an airport at Kushinagar will also be developed, for which the Uttar Pradesh government has promised Rs.200 crore.

A committee, comprising two senior officers from the aviation ministry and two from the Uttar Pradesh government, has been set up to study the feasibility of developing no-frills airports at Meerut, Faizabad and Moradabad.

The decision was announced after a joint meeting in the capital between Shri Sharma, Senior Officers of the Airports Authority of India, the Director-Civil Aviation of the Uttar Pradesh Government and District Magistrates of the concerned Districts of the State.•

Mahindra Aerostructures will produce helicopter parts at the company facility in Bengaluru from where they will be shipped directly to Airbus productions line in Marignance, France.

The value of this contract remains undisclosed even as Airbus Helicopters and Mahindra state the parts will form a critical part of Panther military helicopters sold across the globe.

AS565 MBe Panther is competing for the Naval utility helicopter program and if selected by the Indian Government, India will be the global hub for the production of parts in a joint venture between Airbus Helicopters and Mahindra Defence Systems Limited.

Panther helicopters are all weather, multi-role, and light rotocrafts, specially designed for operations from ship decks and offshore locations besides land sites. They are designed for troop transportation, logistic support and medical evacuation.

It has the capacity to transport 10 Commandos while for medical evacuation it can accommodate upto 4 patients and a Doctor. As on date, Airbus Helicopters has 21 Panther MBes on order which includes 11 for Indonesia and 10 for Mexico.•

TASL and Bell Helicopter to collabarate on New Aviation Modernization Initiative HYDERABAD, India (July 14, 2016) – Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company have signed an agreement to work together in support of India’s aviation and defense modernization initiatives with an emphasis on ‘Make in India’.

Under this agreement TASL and Bell Helicopter will join forces to develop both commercial and government (including military) rotary wing markets in India in the Light Utility and Reconnaissance segments. The scope of this agreement is intended to include potential production and assembly capabilities, certain training and maintenance, repair and overhaul requirements, as well as research and development programs and technology sharing that will grow industrial capabilities and result in innovative “Make in India” solutions.•

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Remembering the Role of IAF Helicopters in Kargil War The Indian Air Force (IAF) was first approached by the Indian Army to provide air support on 11 May 99 with the use of attack helicopters of MI-25/35 class. However, the Chief of Air Staff put forth the argument that in order to create a favourable air situation for the helicopters operations, fighter action was also required. Also the operational ceiling of MI25/35 class of attack helicopters was only 10,000 feet AMSL. The enemy targets were located on our own side close to the Line of Control (LOC) at heights above 15, 000 feet AMSL. After deliberate analysis and discussions it was decided to use MI-17 class of armed helicopters with armour plating and flairs against man packed Stinger surface to air Missile (SAM) for self protection. On 25 May, the Cabinet Committee on Security authorized the IAF to undertake offensive attacks on the infiltrators without crossing the LOC. On 26 May, onwards, the IAF started its strike role. Fighter aircraft MiG-21s, MiG-23s, MiG-27s, Jaguars and the Mirage 2000 based at Srinagar, Avantipur and Adampur, struck the insurgent positions located on the high ridges on the own side of the LOC. The first strikes were launched on the 26 May, when the Indian Air Force struck infiltrator positions with fighter aircraft and Armed MI-17 helicopters. The initial strikes saw MiG-27s carrying out offensive sorties, with MiG-21s and MiG-29s providing Air Defence cover. Mi-17 armed helicopters were also deployed in the Tololing sector. During all these attacks the MI- 17 were using the selfprotecting anti - SAM flairs.

On 27 May, the first fatalities were suffered when a MiG-27 crashed due to engine flame-out. Second fighter aircraft, a MiG-21 while locating the wreckage of crashed fighter, was shot down by enemy’s Man packed Stinger SAM in Batalik. The following day, a Mi-17 was lost when it was hit by three Stinger missiles while on an

offensive sortie. These losses forced the Indian Air Force to reassess its strategy. Thereafter all the attacks on enemy’s positions were carried out from heights well above the effective range of enemy’s Stinger missiles.

On 28 May, A formation of 4XMI-17s, loaded with 57 mm Rockets led by then Wing Commander AK Sinha was tasked to enemy positions around Tololing peak. The No 1 & No 2 MI-17s carried out their attack successfully. No 1 after his attack went little away from the target area to see the attacks of No 3 and No 4. The third Mi-17 also carried out a successful attack on the enemy post. However, his anti SAM protection system was not working and was hit by the enemy’s Stinger SAM. It was seen to crash by the other helicopters on the mission. The entire crew of four, comprising Sqn Ldr R Pundhir, Flt Lt S Muhilan, Sgt RK Sahu and Sgt PVNR Prasad were killed. The No 4 aircraft also successfully attacked the enemy position and returned safely. After this loss, the Mi-17 helicopters were not deployed in Offensive strike role. This resulted in a change in strategy and technology.

With the Israelis providing around 100 Laser-guided bomb kits to the Indian Military, the air force chose to make maximum use of this and retaliated with regular sorties on Pakistani occupied bunkers. The aircraft operated at 10,000 meters AGL (33,000 feet above sea level), well out of man packed SAM range, leading to a drop in the accuracy rate of the bombs. The low number of airstrips for takeoff and landing of the flights also constrained the efficiency of the attacks. Despite this, there were hundreds of sorties on the intruders with no further material or personnel casualties enabling a gradual takeover of the mountain posts by Indian troops. With this changed tactics, the air strikes against the Pakistani infiltrators, supply camps and other targets yielded rich dividends for the IAF. By July all the remaining intruders had withdrawn and the operation was ended, being declared a success by the IAF in having achieved its primary objectives.

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Military Navy’s Kamov 28 to be Modernised It is learnt that after a personal intervention by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, a contract to modernise all ten Navy’s Kamov 28 helicopters was signed on 29 Jul 16 between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Russian manufacturer Rosoboronexport.

All the ten helicopters will be modernized, sensors upgraded and delivered at regular intervals over the coming five years.The total value of the contract is believed to be upwards of Rs 2000 crore.

The manufacturer, contract says, will amalgamate these copters with state of the art sensors and equipment will procure from a Slew of European firms. It was learnt that such an effort has been attempted for the very first time. Towards that, the helicopters will be first sent to Kumertau in Russia at the facility of Russian Helicopters where they will undergo a technical overhaul to enhance the aircraft's life and performance.

Once done, copters will be brought to Vizag, home of IN's Eastern Naval Command (ENC). At Vizag, naval air station Dega has been selected as the place where the sensors will be fitted and final assembly done. From that point, the copters will be available for the IN. Of the ten Kamov-28 helicopters that were procured from the then Soviet Union, in the mid-80s, only four are in flying condition today. The remaining have been mothballed for spares, it was learnt.•

Bid for MRO Facility for Helicopters of AAC in Hisar Indian Army Aviation Corps (AAC) fleet comprising of Dhruv, Rudra, Chetak and Cheetah helicopters are manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Since most of them are deployed in in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan, it would be operationally and logistically advantageous to have a maintenance and overhaul hub closer to their area of operation in this region.

In the coming years, the AAC is also going to acquire the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) made by HAL, besides procuring a large number of light utility and attack helicopters. In view, the Army is considering setting up a maintenance and overhaul base for helicopters operated by the Army Aviation Corps (AAC) in this region and has sought allocation of land for the purpose from the Haryana government in Pinjore where Haryana has a flying club and the location is also adjacent to the Western Command headquarters. It is also learnt that the State government is in the process on to upgrade the present airstrip at Hisar, about 150 km from Delhi and 340 km from Chandigarh, into an international airport. The State Govt is also exploring the feasibility of setting up a manufacturing complex for defence and aviation components at Hisar as part of the offset policy.

HAL, Safran to set up Support Centre in India for Helicopters Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and French firm Safran Helicopter Engines have agreed to establish a support centre in India for national and international rotorcraft customers. An agreement was signed on 11 July’16 by Mr. DK Venkatesh, Director (Engg and R&D), HAL, and Mr. Bruno Even, CEO, Turbomeca, at the Farnborough International Airshow (July 11-17) in England.

The new centre will provide MRO services for Safran TM333 and HAL Shakti engines that power HAL-built helicopters. Safran and HAL will provide their customers with services including optimised engine availability. With over 1,000 engines, including 250 TM333s and 250 Shaktis, India’s Armed Forces are one of the largest operators of Safran-designed helicopter engines. Shakti is the Indian designation for the Safran’s Ardiden 1, co-developed with HAL and produced under a licence. Shri.T Suvarna Raju, CMD of HAL, said: “The JV reflects the close relationship established over many years between HAL and Safran. It places both partners on an ambitious path towards world-beating customer support in the field of engine MRO. The joint venture will provide the impetus for the Make in India initiative since around 1,000 Shakti engines are likely to fly in the coming years.” Serge Maille, Safran’s Executive Vice-President for Strategy and Development, said: “This joint venture marks a new step in the long-lasting and fruitful partnership between Safran and HAL. We are extremely proud of the continued confidence placed on us by HAL. Together we are committed to delivering world-class support to our customers, both in India and throughout the region.” Shakti is fitted to HAL’s Advanced Light Helicopter (Dhruv) and has been selected to power the HAL-designed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). The new Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), a three-tonne single-engine Chopper under development, is also fitted with a Turbomeca engine.

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Juhu Airport-SOP 1 OF 2016 This is the first time AAI has formulated an SOP to overcome DGCA’s observation of non-standard parking. This SOP has been formulated by ATC Juhu in coordination with operators based in Juhu. As specified by AAI, Juhu Airport as no designated aprons.

All areas where aircraft are parked are designated only as “Dispersal areas.” The capacity of the airport is only 19 helicopters & 3 fixed wing aircraft. However, during monsoon season, over 50 helicopters and 10 fixed wing aircraft are parked at the Airport. This results in non-standard parking through the year. The SOP defines that all parking assignments will be dynamic in nature (no reserved spot for any aircraft). ATC can

allot empty slots on all dispersal areas (including UHPL /ONGC / MESCO / GVHL) to any other company’s aircraft, at its discretion (PHL is exempted from this, as bills are regularly raised for their dispersal area). All ground-handling activities shall be carried out by professionally qualified employees. As many portions of the maneuvering area are not visible to the ATC TWR controllers, the SOP emphasizes that it shall be the responsibility of the operators to ensure compliance with the stipulations in DGCA CAR about spacing/separation between parked aircraft.•

RWSI training faculty comprising of volunteer instructors with excellent professional standing, have carried out ground training for industry professionals in wide ranging subjects including special VFR & Recurrent Training (replaced recently by Procedures Training), Adverse Weather- Monsoon Operation, DGR Awareness Training, CRM & Survival Training, SMS, Human Factors, Accident Prevention and Accident Investigation Courses.

During the month of July 2016 RWSI conducted training on :DGR Training: 12 July 2016, Monsoon Operation: 13 July 2016, Procedures Training: 14-15 July 2016, CRM Training: 16 July 2016 at Noida and CRM Training: 19 and 20 July 2016 at Mumbai. A total of 47 students benefitted from the training.

RWSI Governing Council is indeed thankful to Wg Cdr VP Mathur, Wg Cdr Ramesh Malik, Gp Capt MK Labroo, Wg Cdr SK Gandhi, and Gp Capt SK Manocha for offering their voluntary services in conducting various Ground Training Courses for RWSI .

We a p p e a l t o t h e Operators to consider sending their pilots for Ground Training to RWSI run by volunteer instructors with excellent professional standing.

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