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...

Posted by- Neelam Mathews Dec 7, 2011 ·          Eight fighter aircraft and 4 helicopters of the defense forces have crashed since Jan 1, 2011.  In these accidents, 9 pilots/service personnel and 1 civilian were killed.  The main causes of the fighter/helicopter accidents were human error and technical defects, said defense minister A.K Antony. ·          There is a proposal for procurement of additional IL-76 based Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) from ELTA Systems Limited, Israel, under Option Clause of previous contract signed in March, 2004. ·          The government has not inked any follow-on deal for acquiring nine additional C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft with the US. However, a Letter of Request (LoR) has been issued to the U.S. Government for the procurement of the additional aircraft, said Antony. ·  ...

Neelam Mathews July 28, 2011 The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has announced its new list of the most critical transportation issues that need to be addressed to improve safety and save lives. The new "Most Wanted List" highlights 10 safety issues that impact transportation nationwide. Aviation concerns feature heavily on the organisation’s ‘Most Wanted List’. These include promote pilot and air traffic controller professionalism; address human fatigue; require safety management systems; improve runway safety; require image and onboard data recorders; and improve general aviation safety. "The NTSB's ability to influence transportation safety depends on our ability to communicate and advocate for changes," said NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman. "The Most Wanted List is the most powerful tool we have to highlight our priorities." NTSB began issuing an annual Most Wanted List in 1990. The list released is the first one produced ...