New Delhi: Reduced payload, tandem flying, and increasing the visibility benchmarks for flying in certain terrains are some of the changes that are likely to be made to the protocols governing VVIP helicopter flights, ThePrint has learnt.
The protocols will be updated based on the recommendations made by the tri-service inquiry that probed last month’s tragic helicopter crash that led to the deaths of 14 people including Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, and other Services personnel.
Sources told ThePrint that the probe report has made certain recommendations to reduce chances of such a mishap in the future.
Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, head of the Indian Air Force, along with Air Marshal Manvendra Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Training Command, who headed the tri-service inquiry into the crash that took place in the forest near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu, briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the probe Wednesday.
As reported by ThePrint, sudden cloud cover, which led to ‘Controlled Flight Into Terrain’, has been identified as the reason behind the helicopter crash.
Speaking on the sidelines of a graduation parade at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal near Hyderabad, ACM Chaudhari had last month said, “The VVIP protocols to fly will be reviewed. The review will be based on the findings of the court of inquiry into the crash”.
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What the changes to protocol will entail
Sources said one of the changes likely to be made in the protocols is the reduction in payloads being carried.
The ill-fated chopper was carrying 14 personnel including the two pilots. This meant that the helicopter was flying with a large number of passengers and a higher amount of fuel.
The crash led to a burst fuel tank, and most of the deaths were caused by burns. It took several days to ascertain the identity of the majority of the passengers on board.
Another change that is likely to be made is increasing the benchmark for visual meteorological conditions for VVIP flights in certain terrains. Sources said the emphasis will be on no or minimum flying in doubtful weather, and alternate options to be kept ready for travel, as is the practice even now.
Sources further said efforts would also be made to travel as close to a road axis or areas which allow emergency landing if needed, even if the route becomes a little longer.
Currently, single engine helicopters follow this particular protocol, and not the twin-engined ones, sources explained.
Another focus will be to ensure that there is tandem flying by another helicopter in VVIP travel, so that immediate rescue operations can be launched in case of any mishap.
(Edited by Neha Mahajan)
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