Greetings of the Day from Aviation Safety India.
Pilgrimage Season at Kedarnath, Badrinath has arrived and soon the Helicopters will be flying thousands of Pilgrims mainly to Kedarnath and some to Badrinath. Helicopter Operations at Pilgrimage Sites, particularly at Kedarnath Helipad are very challenging and require the highest standards of involvement, monitoring and supervision by the DGCA and Operators. Pilots, Engineers have to be fully knowledgeable, skillful, aware and absolutely alert and vigilant throughout the conduct of Operations without showing any signs of a sense of complacency, overconfidence or a macho and casual approach.
DGCA has been very Proactive and fully involved to ensure the safety and efficiency of Helicopter Operations at Pilgrimage Sites. A comprehensive Ops Circular 02/23 has been issued by DGCA on various aspects of Pilgrimage Operations.
In order to facilitate easy access and a better understanding of the Ops Circular 02/23, Aviation Safety India has uploaded two Video Presentations on Helicopter Operations at Pilgrimage Sites and Helicopter Operations at Kedarnath Helipad, for the benefit of the Helicopter Operators and Pilots.
Aviation Safety India has also been very proactive in taking various Safety Initiatives to promote the Safety of Aviation Operations. A Video Presentation on Precautions to be taken during the conduct of operations at Pilgrimage Sites was uploaded on YouTube last year before the commencement of Pilgrimage Operations at Kedarnath. The same Video Presentation is being shared with the Operators, Pilots and Maintenance Staff to refresh their memories.
The Video URLs are: –
Ops Circular 02/23-Pilgrimage operations- https://youtu.be/mLqevOB1P0I
Helicopter Operations -Kedarnath Helipad- https://youtu.be/qNxVGSLGmFY
Precautions-Pilgrimage Flying .- https://youtu.be/1DLnI30pbUM
Operators, Pilots, AME, Technicians and supporting staff should find time to watch these Video Presentations so that they become knowledgeable about the Do’s and Don’ts of flying at Pilgrimage Sites.
Time-to-time guidance, monitoring and supervision by DGCA, UCADA and Operators and high level of preparedness and involvement by the Pilots, Engineers, AME and supporting staff can go a long way in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the Helicopter Operations at the Pilgrimage Sites.
Please do share the Video Presentations with your colleagues and friends.
Wishing you all a very happy and safe flying and Many Many Happy Landings.
Jai hind.
Air Commodore BS Siwach AVSM YSM VM (Veteran)
Director General
Aviation Safety India