DGCA Mandates Special Audits for Helicopter Services in Uttarakhand Amid Safety Concerns

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated special audits and increased surveillance on helicopter services in Uttarakhand. This decision follows several incidents involving helicopters during the Char Dham Yatra. An official statement released on Monday highlighted these measures as part of efforts to enhance safety.

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On June 7, a Kestrel Aviation helicopter had to make an emergency landing on a highway in Rudraprayag district. The incident occurred while the helicopter was en route to Kedarnath, and all six people on board, including the pilot, narrowly escaped harm. This event has prompted the DGCA to consider restricting helicopter operations to Char Dham if necessary.

Enhanced Surveillance and Safety Measures

The DGCA is actively monitoring live camera feeds from Kedarnath provided by the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA). This step aims to intensify oversight of helicopter operations during the Char Dham Yatra. The regulator has also initiated safety investigations into recent incidents to identify causes such as mechanical failures, operational errors, and weather-related challenges.

In its latest enforcement action, the DGCA suspended Kestrel Aviation Pvt Ltd's operations in Uttarakhand immediately, pending investigation. This follows a previous suspension of another operator in May for safety violations. The DGCA emphasised its zero-tolerance policy for safety breaches.

Operational Restrictions and Compliance

All helicopter operators have been directed to restrict operations to Out of Ground Effect (OGE) conditions until further notice. This precautionary measure is part of the DGCA's response to recent occurrences. The regulator is also reviewing whether further restrictions on helicopter operations to Char Dham are necessary.

On Monday, two operators conducting shuttle and charter services to Kedarnath were found not adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs), particularly regarding proper helicopter parking. Consequently, their operations were suspended for two hours as corrective action.

Commitment to Aviation Safety

The DGCA reaffirmed its commitment to aviation safety by proactively addressing these incidents. Special audits and enhanced surveillance have been ordered for operators involved in shuttle and charter services in Uttarakhand. Any deviation from SOPs by operators is detected in real-time, allowing immediate corrective measures.

The recent spate of incidents during the Char Dham Yatra has highlighted the need for strengthened safety oversight of helicopter operations. The DGCA's actions aim to ensure that such occurrences are minimised and that aviation safety remains a top priority.

With inputs from PTI