DGCA Issues Safety Rules for VVIP Flights After Crash

India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, issued new safety guidelines on Friday for nonscheduled aircraft and helicopters transporting very important persons, empowering pilots to refuse flights deemed unsafe and prohibiting undue pressure on flight crews. The measures, announced in New Delhi, respond to safety lapses highlighted by the January 28 plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, which killed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others aboard a chartered Learjet 45.

The crash, involving a small aircraft en route to a political event, exposed risks associated with VVIP travel, particularly during election campaigns where dignitaries often rely on remote airstrips and helicopters. An analysis of prior incidents revealed frequent violations of safety protocols, including operations from hastily prepared helipads, weather-related hazards, and itinerary changes that compromised operational standards. The DGCA emphasized that such flights demand high levels of skill and professionalism, citing challenges like extended duty hours, congested airspace, and inadequate rest for crews.

Under the new rules, flight crews must exercise independent...