ROTOR INDIA JULYMarch 2021 2020 CIVIL & MILITARY Volume-17,Volume-15, Release-4 Release-2 March 2020 Volume-15, Release-2
PUBLISHED BY AVM K Sridharan VM (G) (Retd) MOCA UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP On behalf of Rotor India, our sincere congratulations to Shri Jyotiraditya Correspondence Address Madhavrao Scindia and General Vijay Kumar Singh for taking over the Rotary Wing Society of India charge of office of Minister of Civil Aviation and Minister of State of 609, 6th Floor, I-thum Tower A Ministry of Civil Aviation on 09 Jul 21, respectively. A-40, Sector 62, NOIDA 201 309 The new ministers have their tasks cut out with the aviation sector as it Tel: 0120-4252346, 4252347 was severely affected by the pandemic. With the change in leadership, we Email - [email protected], Website - www.rwsi.org are hopeful that there will be focus in areas that has been neglected especially the issues related to the Civil Helicopter Industry. In this regard, Editorial Board the priority should be to implement the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016 on AVM K Sridharan VM (G) Civil Helicopter Operations. Instead of reinventing the wheel, it will augur well to implement Gp Capt MK Labroo a well-conceived NCAP. I distinctly remember the phenomenal effort put in by MOCA to Air Cmde Ravi Krishan VM (G) evolve the NCAP. The Ministry under the new leadership is requested to take note of the status related to Graphics: Shyby Jayakumar its implementation: - a) Separate regulations for helicopters will be notified by DGCA, after due stakeholder Editorial inquiries consultation. Not implemented yet. 91-0120-4252346, 4252347 Website : www.rwsi.co.in b) The government will facilitate the development of at least four heli-hubs initially, across the country to promote regional connectivity. Not implemented yet. Reader’s Response Rotor India E-monthly news c) MoCA will coordinate with MOF, MHA, NHAI, Indian Railways, insurance invites your views, suggestions companies, hospitals, Pawan Hans Limited and other helicopter operators to facilitate and contributions to Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS). [email protected] [email protected] d) Helicopters will be free to fly from point to point without prior ATC clearance in ------airspace below 5000 feet and areas other than controlled airspace i. e. Prohibited and RWSI is a not-for profit Restricted Areas, Temporary Segregated Areas (TSAs) and Temporary Restricted Areas professional Society registered with Govt. of NCT Delhi (TRAs) after obtaining Air Defence Clearance, wherever required and intimating the (Registration No. S-33154 of following information to the nearest ATC: Point of Origin, Destination, Level, Expected 1998) for the growth of civil & Time of Departure (ETD), Expected Time of Arrival (ETA) and the duration of flight. For military helicopter industry. Its membership includes nearly 187 this Ministry of Defence and MoCA will set up web-based platforms. Not implemented Corporate and over 1271 yet. aviation professionals who have The total number of helicopters in India is around 239, which is extremely low as compared made major contributions to Indian civil & military aviation. to other developing nations. The fleet strength has been steadily declining from 299 in FY Many of them are gallantry 2011-12 to less than 239 in the FY 2020-21. The decline is likely to continue unless the award winners. Majority of them GOI takes steps to address the issues affecting the industry. are in active flying. RWSI is dedicated to the promotion of On priority, the Govt must finalise the bidder for Pawan Hans as it has received “multiple helicopter as a safe, effective expressions of interest (EoIs)” for privatisation of the national helicopter carrier. It is to be method of commerce and to the advancement of Helicopter seen as to who the bidder is as it would play a lead role in the future growth of civil Industry. helicopter industry in the Country. RCS - UDAN has not helped the growth of civil fleet as only a few Helicopters Operator like Pawan Hans been involved in opening new routes in Opinions expressed in this unserved areas. publication do not necessarily represent those of the Society, As brought out in pages 5 & 6, AAI has been guilty of levying tariffs on helicopters for its Governing Council, Staff or flight operations in the same yardstick as fixed wings in similar weight category. These Members nor shall the publication imply endorsement on the part add up to the already excessive cost of operations of helicopters in the Country and of the RWSI of any content or discourage the public from using it. claims made therein. RWSI We in the Industry are hopeful that the new leadership in the Ministry will consider disclaims all warranties, express or imply and makes no addressing the issues to arrest the negative growth of civil helicopter industry in the Country. judgement regarding the accuracy of posted information. In no event will RWSI be liable to any party for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages resulting from the publication. AVM K.Sridharan VM (Gallantry) Editor-in-Chief, Rotor India Publications.
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07 Jul 21 marked another significant day in the history of Indian aviation industry with the signing of first aircraft purchase order by a GIFT city (Gujarat International Finance Tec) based leasing company under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan of the Government of India. Shri Pradeep Singh Kharola, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA) presided over the signing of the purchase agreement between Vman Aviation, GIFT City, Gandhinagar, and Airbus Helicopters SAS (Marignane, France) in an event held today at the Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, New Delhi. Shri Vishok Mansingh, CEO, Vman and Mr. Remi Maillard, President, Airbus India and Managing Director, South Asia region signed the agreement. Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman AAI and Shri ecosystem in the country. This is a new business segment Amber Dubey, Joint Secretary, MoCA along with other coming to India and the Government of India shall continue senior officials were present during the signing agreement. to provide all possible help to promote leasing activities in Congratulating both the companies, Shri Pradeep Singh India under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.” Kharola, Secretary, MoCA said, “The aircraft purchase Under the Atman NirbharAbhiyan, GIFT IFSC, with signing is a landmark event in the Indian aviation history. various incentives from the government of India and low This agreement is the result of the efforts put in for the set up costs, has become very attractive for lessors. They last 4-5 years to create a viable leasing & financing can leverage the fast growing civil and military aviation market in India and abroad.
A Quote from Ex Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on 03 Feb 21
Helicopter operations in the country are well below its potential and their requirement is rising in multiple areas including tourism, mining, corporate travel and medical services, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on 03 Feb 21. “Currently, the helicopter operations in India are well below the potential of a country as large as ours. The total number of helicopters in India are around 250,” he said in a video message to a seminar organised by industry body FICCI here at Aero India 2021 exhibition. Brazil has around 1,250, Australia has around 2,000, the US has more than 14,000. There is a growing requirement of helicopters for civil use in tourism, mining, corporate LET US DO SOMETHING
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Helicopter industry in India has been facing challenging hours at the nearest airfield do not meet requirements of times over the past few years. The industry has the charter and the airport is not prepared to grant watch experienced negative growth with the number of civil hour extension. Helicopters, as we all know, can operate registered helicopters in India coming down. There is an form field helipads; a SOP can be put in place where by urgent need to address over all operational and fiscal issues helicopter operations are permitted with minimum support that will provide an impetus leading to optimum utilisation infrastructure at an airfield even beyond scheduled watch of this versatile platform and make helicopter operations hours. financially profitable in our country.Few operational and (c) Temporary Over night Parking Permission: fiscal issues that can be addressed by the AAI towards Helicopters by their very nature of operations move to this aim are given below:- airfields other than their parent base for short durations Operational Issues subject to client requirements. This is a regular feature (a) Airport Watch Hours: Watch hours at AAI airfield and comes up at short notice subject to charter demands. ae scheduled to suit fixed wing commercial flights to and Invariable difficulties are faced in getting permissions form from the airport. While working out watch hour schedule the airfield for over night parking leading to frequent no consideration is given to helicopter operations form the cancellation of charters. The helicopter does not require airfield. An example is operations from Rajahmundry a complete bay like a wide body passenger aeroplane, a airport. A number of helicopters regularly operate for this small parking area would be sufficient. airport for oil and gas companies in a near scheduled (d) Temporary Parking Permission More than 5 Nights: manner on a daily basis. The helicopter operators have APD can give permission only for 5 nights for parking at either to cancel their flights or ask for watch hour outstation airfields and anything beyond has to be cleared extension on payment. While working out watch hours by AAI, CHQ. This leads to delays and uncertainties; the for the airport, helicopter operator’s requirements needs helicopter operator has to move out after 5 nights just to be taken into consideration. because the APD cannot extend stay beyond 5 nights! (b) Watch Hour Extension: Very often helicopter operators are forced to forego a charter because the watch NEW RULES GOVERNING FLIGHT HANDLING BY AIR INDIA Recently AAI introduced rules governing flight handling included in the charges. The fixed cost for deployment of at various airports. They have used the same matrix that resources at Rajahmundry would be INR 7500.Airport they use for scheduled operators to those of operations Royalty @13% will be additional. Goods & Service Tax by Helicopters. At most airports, helicopters do not need (GST) @ 18% (on handling charges) would be applicable any third party to do flight handling. At small airports like on the total handling charges.Total charges as per given Rajahmundry which is the main base for helicopter details would be INR 23301 (Handling charges INR 9975 operations on the East Coast, they have mandated Air + Additional Charges (Deployment of resources ) INR India as the flight handlers. Their charges for flight handling 7500 + Airport Royalty @13% INR 2272 + GST @18% are: - INR 3554) INR 9975 per flight for ground stay up to 4 hrs. For It is unfortunate that AAI has nor differentiated ground stay beyond 4 hours 25% additional charge will be between helicopters carrying 2-3 pax and scheduled applicable. Flights arriving or departing between 2100 to aircraft carrying anywhere between 70 - 350 or more 0600 hours (LT) are subject to 10%-night surcharge. passengers. The helicopter industry cannot simply sustain Security services, GPU, ASU, ACU and headset is not such additional exorbitant charges. RWSI NOTIFICATION RWSI domain ID :rwsi.org has now been retrieved. Our e mail id: [email protected] is therefore now functioning. We request you to kindly address your future correspondence with RWSI by using the new office ID.:[email protected]
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The government has received “multiple expressions of interest (EoIs)” for privatisation of national helicopter carrier Pawan Hans, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey said on 15 Jul 21. The official, however, did not reveal the name of bidders. The department, which deals with all matters related to disinvestment of equity in central public sector undertakings, said that the transaction will now move to the second stage.The deadline for submission of EoIs for Pawan Hans was January 19. In a bid to exit from the chopper operations business, the government in December last year issued a fresh bid document for strategic disinvestment in Any private or public limited company, limited liability Pawan Hans. The government intends to sell 51 per cent partnership, body corporate, whether registered or stake in the mini-Ratna PSU. The remaining 49 per cent incorporated in India or outside, or Alternative Investment stake in the carrier is owned by oil major ONGC. Funds (AIF) registered with SEBI are eligible to bid for In the Union Budget 2021-22, Finance Minister Nirmala the Pawan Hans. However, Central Public Sector Sitharaman had announced that disinvestment of state- Enterprises (CPSEs) or Central Government-owned owned Air India and Pawan Hans would be completed in Cooperative Societies — entities where the direct holding 2021-22. of the Central Government or of other CPSEs is 51 per cent or more - will not be allowed to bid unless ‘if desirable As per the information memorandum (IM) released by in public interest’. DIPAM in December last year, the successful bidder will also have the option of buying ONGC’s 49 per cent stake Pawan Hans Limited posted revenue of Rs 376 crore in Pawan Hans. The ONGC board has also decided to in 2019-20 and a total loss of Rs 28 crore. In 2018-19, it sell its entire shareholding of 49 per cent in Pawan Hans had posted revenue of Rs 414 crore and a loss of Rs 69 at the same derived price per share and on the same terms crore. and conditions as determined by the government, says the document.
Join RWSI Membership will be based on your professional contribution to helicopter and General Aviation industry. Professional who have achieved distinction in the field of helicopter aviation and have held a position of responsibility are welcome to join RWSI Membership Fee Professional (LIFE) Rs. 6050 Incl.GST Institution/Corporate (annual) Rs. 8850. Incl.GST for 3 years Rs. 23600 Incl. GST
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01Jul21. Air During his illustrious career in the IAF, the Air Officer Marshal BR has held numerous important command and staff Krishna Ati appointments. He was Commanding Officer of a frontline Vishisht Seva fighter Squadron, has commanded Air Force Test Pilots M e d a l , School, Chief Operations Officer of a forward base, Shaurya Commandant Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment Chakra, took (ASTE) and has commanded a frontline Fighter base. over as Air As an Air Vice Marshal, he held the coveted appointments Officer of Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Projects) and ACAS Commanding- (Plans) at Air HQ. As an Air Marshal, he served as in-Chief Senior Air Staff Officer, HQ SWAC and prior to taking (AOC-in-C) over as the AOC-in-C, he held the appointment of of Western Director General Air (Operations) at Air Headquarters. Air Command The Air Marshal is an alumnus of National Defence on 01 Jul 21. Academy, Defence Services Staff College Wellington and The Air Marshal was commissioned in the IAF in Dec National Defence College. 1983 as a Fighter Pilot. In a distinguished career spanning In recognition of a gallant act in the air, he was awarded nearly 38 years, the Air Officer, being a Qualified Flying Shaurya Chakra in 1986 and for the distinguished service Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot, has flown a rendered, the Air Marshal was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva wide variety of fighters, transports and helicopters in the Medal in 2017. inventory of IAF. He has a flying experience of nearly 5000 hours, including operational, instructional and test flying.
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NEW DELHI: With replacements for old Cheetah and Chetak helicopters still stuck in red-tape amid the continuing military confrontation with China, the armed forces are planning to approach the government to procure “a minimum inescapable quantity” of the already-selected Russian Kamov-226T choppers in a flyaway condition. Defence sources say the need to replace obsolete single- engine Cheetahs and Chetaks of the vintage of 1960s- 1970s, which are dogged by a high crash rate and major serviceability problems, has become an “existential operational necessity” now. “Operational availability of Cheetahs/Chetaks along the northern borders with China as well as the Siachen Glacier- Saltoro Ridge region with Pakistan is down to just 50%. Technical life of older Cheetahs/Chetaks will begin expiring in 2023. New light utility helicopters (LUHs) are desperately required for reconnaissance as well as sustenance of troops in forward areas,” a source said. source. The Army, IAF and Navy have been demanding new A separate HAL project to build another 126 indigenous LUHs for almost 20 years now, with their total requirement LUHs for Army and 61 for IAF has also been delayed being 498 choppers. After the proposed procurement of for years. “The first six of these LUHs are now likely to 197 such choppers from abroad was scrapped twice, India be inducted in December 2022. There are still some had inked an inter-governmental agreement with Russia technical issues with these LUHs, including problems with to acquire 200 twin-engine Kamov-226T choppers tail rotor systems in high-altitude areas,” he added. for Army (135) and IAF (65) in 2015. As for the Russian choppers, a single Ka-226T in The first 60 were to come in a fly-away condition, with flyaway condition will cost around $6 million. The per the other 140 to be manufactured by a joint venture unit cost of the choppers to be made in India, in turn, will between be close to $11 million due to associated costs of land Hindustan Aeronautics acquisition, labour, technology transfers and the like. NSE -0.63 % (HAL) and Rostec Corp/Russian “Importing all the 200 choppers will force India to Helicopters. depend on Russia for spares and maintenance. So, a “But the project is still stuck at the technical evaluation certain number of Ka-226Ts should be procured on a fast- stage, primarily due to disagreements over the proportion track basis to bridge the gap till the indigenous LUHs of of indigenous content. Russia is offering slightly lower HAL can be inducted in large numbers,” he added. indigenous content than what India wants,” said another
ARMY TO GET INDIGENOUS LIGHT HELICOPTERS BY DEC. 2022 It is reported that the Army, which is facing a huge shortage of light utility helicopters with the ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, will receive the first batch of six indigenous Light Utility helicopter (LUH) by the end of 2022designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is reported that the acceptance in principle was received two months back. The LUH is meant to replace the ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters along with the Russian Ka-226T helicopters. The LUH is a 3-ton class helicopter with glass cockpit for reconnaissance and surveillance roles and as a light transport helicopter. It has been extensively Following the IOC, HAL has moved to the next phase evaluated at various geographic conditions, including high of integrating and flight-testing of mission and role altitude. equipment on the LUH. There is a tentative order of 200 LUH from the Army and the Air Force. * Helicopters Save Lives * 8 <
NEW DELHI: The UK’s largest warship HMS Queen Elizabeth and its strike task group has sailed into the Indian Ocean and will conduct a mega wargame with the Indian Navy as the aircraft carrier began a 40-nation tour aimed at demonstrating Britain’s commitment for an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. It is a new era of defence cooperation with allies in India and the Indo- Pacific. Indian military officials said a series of complex drills will be conducted as part of the India and in the Indo-Pacific region. wargame that is expected to take place around July 26. It UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said that is HMS Queen Elizabeth’s first operational deployment. described the deployment of the CSG as a “major moment” The warship has a fleet of F35B stealth fighter jets for the UK’s defence. onboard and is accompanied by six Royal Navy ships, a “The group is sailing the Indian Ocean and will shortly submarine and 14 naval helicopters. conduct exercises with the Indian Navy, building on our The warships are expected to visit the South China Sea already strong partnership with an important ally and region as part of the tour. It will be visiting 40 countries friend,” he said. and working alongside its partners. “The deployment illustrates the UK’s enduring The British high commission in India said the carrier commitment to global defence and security, strengthening strike group (CSG) 2021, led by HMS Queen Elizabeth, our existing alliances and forging new partnerships with has sailed into the Indian Ocean Region after transiting like-minded countries as we face up to the challenges of the Suez Canal. Following a series of successful the 21st century,” Wallace was quoted as saying in the engagements and operations in the Mediterranean it will statement. sail east across the Indian Ocean towards India. It will British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, said the then meet with ships from the Indian Navy to conduct deployment of the carrier strike group is a powerful routine maritime exercises. demonstration of the UK’s commitment to the security of It said the deployment represents the UK’s commitment India and the Indo-Pacific. to deepening diplomatic, economic and security ties with
INDIA’S ROMEO BEGINS FLIGHT TRIALS IN US, ANTI- SUBMARINE CHOPPER DELIVERY LIKELY IN JULY New Delhi: The first of the 24 MH-60 ‘Romeo’ anti-submarine helicopters, meant for the Indian Navy, has taken to the sky in New York for flight trials and is likely to arrive in India by the end of July.The aircraft is part of the 24 ordered by the Narendra Modi government last year from the US under a nearly deal. These helicopters are meant to meet the immediate requirement of the Navy which is relying on its P-81 aircraft for anti-submarine operations amid China’s increasing forays into the waters around India. Sources in the know said that the first India production chopper took flight in Owego of New York. The aircraft will undergo a series of flight trials before a final acceptance by a team of the Indian Navy.
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HELICOPTER BY NEXT YEAR < * Helicopters Save Lives * 10 < In our country M/s Hindustan Aeronautics is the only Accordingly M/s Legend Technologies, Bengaluru has Company that undertakes Design and Development of signed MoU with Govt of Karnataka for design, Helicopters. Other Private firms are manufacturing development and manufacturing of Two-seater Light detail parts and Assembly (Built to print). Dr Ranga Helicopter for Civil & Naval application in the presence NEW TECHNOLOGIESReddy analysed >> all these aspects and came out with of Honourable Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on 05/ the concept of deriving benefits with the availability of 02/2021 at Aero India Exhibition. Dr.G Satheesh Reddy, natural and skilled human resources, expertise in Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, manufacturing, Analysis, Testing of Helicopter products Defence Research and Development Organisation in home country by Sharing strong synergies with (DRDO), Shri Gaurav Gupta IAS Additional Chief Industry, Academia and Professional Societies there by Secretary – Commerce and Industries, Commissioner judging the domestic demand. for Industrial Development, Government of Karnataka, M/s Legend Technologies, Bengaluru has undertaken Shri Gunjan Krishna IAS Commissioner for Industrial extensive study with the technologies and expertise Development and Director, Department of Industries & available in the country and came out with the decision Commerce, Government of Karnataka and Managing that Design and development of Two-Seater Indian Director Karnataka Udyog Mitra, Shri Revanna Gowda Ultra-Light Helicopter (IULH) is very much feasible and other Civil, and Military Dignitaries were present. with the support and hand holding of all organizations. Legend Technologies (India) Pvt Ltd signed MoU with Government of Karnataka to Design and Development of two seater ultra-light helicopter in the presence of Hon’ble Ministry of Defence Shri Rajnath Singh; DRDO, Navy Dignitaries, and Government of Karnataka Representatives. Aero India – 2021, Bengaluru (05.02.2021) * Helicopters Save Lives * 11 < Legend Technologies (India) Pvt Ltd (ABOVE AND BEYOND AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY) Regd. Off/Works : Plot #26A, 1st Phase, Doddenakundi Indl. Area, (Behind Graphite India), Mahadevapura post, Bengaluru – 560048. Email: [email protected]/ [email protected] Website: www.legendtechnologies.co.in Project Engineer: Surya Teja Mogalapu - +91-93 99999 878 Legend : TREND SETTER FOR OWNING HELICOPTERS AT AN AFFORDABLE COST WITH STATE OF ART TECHNOLOGIES. * Helicopters Save Lives * 12 < RWSI steps up its Ground Training Efforts in June 2021. A total of 54 candidates went through safety related Training Courses at RWSI in June 2021. a) AWO Training – 10 candidates at Noida through Distance Learning Program by Wg Cdr VP Mathur. b) CRM Training – 8 candidates at Pune through Distance Learning Program by Gp Capt RN Joshi, 7 candidates at Noida by Wg Cdr VP Mathur, 1 candidate at Pune by Gp Capt RN Joshi. c) SGT Training - 8 candidates at Pune through Distance Learning Program by Gp Capt RN Joshi, 7 candidates at Mumbai by Cdr Varindar Sharma, 3 candidates at Noida by Wg Cdr VP Mathur. d) CAR -145 Training – 6 Candidates at Noida through Distance Learning Program by Commandant Vipin Sharma. e) SMS Training (2 days) - 2 candidates at Noida through Distance Learning Program by Wg Cdr VP Mathur, Mr. PS Ganapathy and Capt. Rajat Kaura. * Helicopters Save Lives * 13