According to people familiar with the matter, the central government is debating a proposal to reduce the number of pilots required to fly a single-engine helicopter from two to one, a move that officials hope will provide a boost to India’s struggling helicopter sector, bring it up to international standards, and reduce operating costs.
At least two people with knowledge of the situation stated that the discussions are based on ideas from the trade and industry ministry.
“The commerce and industry ministry has asked the aviation ministry to look into ways to help the helicopter industry grow,” stated one of the officials quoted above.
Experts have noted that India, unlike other countries, has a shortage of skilled helicopter pilots, particularly for emergency medical services. Reducing the number of pilots will help operators save money.
Others said that the country’s helicopter industry has been stifled by a lack of regulatory proactiveness.
Captain RK Bali, managing director of the Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA), stated, “The expansion of the helicopter sector in India has continually fallen short of its potential, owing mostly to the lack of a proactive regulatory strategy. With the correct legislative framework, this industry has the potential to significantly accelerate and meet latent demand.
He also stated that the two-pilot requirement is based on a “myth” that single-engine helicopters are risky.
“Single-engine helicopters are just as safe, if not safer, than dual-engine helicopters. To expand and strengthen this crucial market, operators must demonstrate a strong commitment to solid safety management systems, as well as judicious and balanced regulatory approvals.
India has a fleet of 250 civil helicopters, 35% of which are single-engine.
A single-engine helicopter costs approximately €3 million.
“The ministry of civil aviation is pushing to revitalize the sector through new legislative measures and incentives. A dedicated policy is also being developed, with the government aiming for places where helicopter operations are critical,” stated the second official listed above.
The government has been working to expand the sector for some time.
One of the sector’s first major policy decisions came in October 2021, when former civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced that, under a new policy, charges for helicopter parking and landing, route navigation facilities, and terminal navigation, among other things, would be eliminated.
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus Helicopters signed a contract earlier this year to establish the single engine H125 helicopters’ Final Assembly Line (FAL) in India, a significant step toward strengthening manufacturing capabilities and driving growth in the Indian civil aviation market.
The FAL will be the first private sector company to establish a helicopter assembly facility in India.
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