Helicopter Operators Threaten to Suspend Chardham Charters Over DGCA Twin-Pilot Mandate

Helicopter operators plan to suspend Chardham charter flights starting Monday to protest the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's new mandatory twin-pilot rule. The operators and the Business Aircraft Operators Association argue that the sudden requirement will drive up operating costs and cannot be absorbed within current commercial structures.

Helicopter operators in India are preparing to suspend Chardham charter flights starting Monday in opposition to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) newly introduced rule mandating twin-pilot operations for these flights.

The regulatory change regarding crewing requirements was initiated following a helicopter accident on Friday that resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including the pilot.

In a joint representation submitted to the aviation regulator, eight helicopter operators stated that the mandatory deployment of two pilots on every charter sortie would substantially increase operating costs, crew requirements, as well as accommodation and logistical needs. According to the operators, given the existing commercial structure, prevailing charter rates, and limited operational margins, these additional expenses cannot be reasonably absorbed by the businesses.

The operators emphasized that any additional safety measures implemented by authorities must be practical, proportionate, commercially sustainable, and developed in close consultation with industry stakeholders.

The Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA) has also extended its support to the protesting operators. Rajesh Bali, Managing Director of BAOA, wrote a letter to the DGCA on Sunday requesting that the recent twin-pilot requirement be kept on hold.

BAOA's letter asks for the mandate to be paused pending a considered review, as well as the findings and recommendations of the ongoing accident investigation. Bali noted that the proposed twin-pilot rule requires an immediate review because single-pilot operations have been an established and functioning practice in the sector for several years.

"Regulatory changes in the aviation and transport sectors require a careful balance between safety and commercial viability. Sudden policy shifts can create severe operational and financial strain for businesses, particularly when profit margins are tight. It is essential for regulators and industry stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to ensure that safety mandates are both effective and practically implementable without disrupting ongoing business operations." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes