Rotorcraft
India Scrutinizes Helo Ops Ahead of Election

Elections have proved to be periods of peak demand for India’s helicopter operators, but strict enforcement of rules by regulators is making life hard for operators serving candidates who are running for election this year. Concerned about the potential for unsafe operations with rotorcraft being used to fly candidates in and out of neighborhoods while campaigning, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has for the first time met with more than 45 stakeholders–including helicopter operators, pilots and manufacturers–to discuss adherence to safety guidelines during the elections being held in five Indian states.