Aerospace Diary

Neelam Mathews Jan 17, 2012 The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has for the first time met with around 45 stakeholders associated with helicopter operations- pilots, OEMs and operators to discuss adherence to safety guidelines during the upcoming elections. Last week, the DGCA had issued an air safety circular on various issues related to operation of small aircraft and helicopters. While the DGCAs attempt to engage the industry has been applauded, there is serious concern about the implementation of a pre-flight medical checkup for all flights during the elections. “We cannot carry a doctor with us on every flight. We fly to remote helipads around the country. This is not practically thought out at all,” says an operator. There are some 700-800 temporary helipads. Ground Handling at airports for general aviation has been a stressful point for operators forced to pay around Rs 15,000 for every sortie. “While this is perhaps OK for business jets, for helicopters, it totall...

News AWIN First Dec 28 , 2010 Neelam Mathews NEW DELHI The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale of 22 AH-64D Block III Apache helicopters to India, along with related equipment and training. The complete package would be worth approximately $1.4 billion. The Indian government had requested proposals from several foreign suppliers, including Boeing, for 22 attack helicopters. The Indian Air Force has completed field trials for the Apaches to replace its Mi-26s. However, a final downselect has yet to be made; DSCA says it notified Congress of the potential sale “so that, in the event that the Boeing-U.S. Army proposal is selected, the United States might move as quickly as possible to implement the sale.” If Boeing wins the competition, India will request a direct commercial sale of 50 T700-GE-701D engines; 12 AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars; 12 AN/APR-48A...