New Delhi, June 10 – The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is evaluating the possibility. They are considering restricting helicopter services to the Char Dham region in Uttarakhand. Recent incidents have raised serious safety concerns. There have been a series of accidents. One of these included a mishap involving a Kestrel Aviation chopper on June 7. These events have prompted the regulator to tighten its oversight of aerial operations in the pilgrimage zone.
Suspension of Two Operators Over SOP Breaches
On Monday, two helicopter operators were found in violation of standard operational procedures (SOPs). They provide shuttle services to Kedarnath. The violations were particularly concerning helicopter parking protocols. In response, the DGCA temporarily suspended their operations for two hours. The regulator stated this action was based on real-time monitoring. They used surveillance feeds from the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA).
Crash Involving Kestrel Aviation Under Investigation
The DGCA has suspended Kestrel Aviation’s operations. This suspension follows the recent incident in which a helicopter crash-landed on a road and struck a car. The operations remain halted pending a full investigation. The aircraft carried six people, including the pilot, and suffered significant damage. All passengers were unharmed. The pilot sustained only minor injuries. This is the second such suspension of a Kedarnath-bound operator within a month.
Also Read: Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing on Highway En Route to Kedarnath, All Passengers Safe
Shift to Safer Operating Conditions Mandated
The DGCA has issued new directives in response to safety concerns. These directives mandate that all Char Dham helicopter flights must now operate under Out of Ground Effect (OGE) conditions. This operational change is intended to improve safety margins by limiting payload and altering flight parameters. According to DGCA officials, this shift could result in reduced passenger loads per sortie and may necessitate additional refueling halts.
Audits and Surveillance Stepped Up
The DGCA has initiated special audits to address the increasing number of incidents. They have also enhanced surveillance of all helicopter operators involved in shuttle and charter operations in Uttarakhand. The intensified oversight includes close monitoring through UCADA’s live feed systems, enabling immediate action in the event of protocol breaches.
Investigations Launched into Multiple Incidents
The DGCA cited a pattern of safety lapses. They emphasized the need for a more robust monitoring system. This is necessary to ensure safe aviation operations during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra. Comprehensive investigations are underway for each reported occurrence. They focus on identifying potential causes. These causes include technical malfunctions, operational lapses, or adverse weather conditions.
Future Restrictions Under Consideration
There are recurring safety issues. Therefore, the regulator is reviewing the need to impose broader limitations on helicopter flights in the region. A senior official indicated that a decision on curbing operations will be based on findings from the ongoing audits. The decision will also consider safety assessments.
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