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Restrictive Regulations is making Civil Helicopter Operations Unviable Admits Secretary MOCA
During the address at at full support from the state governments.” 2nd Helicopter Summit-2020 The third aspect on which the ministry is working is to organized by FICCI on 10 Aug make helicopter operations viable in a way that it becomes 20, the Civil Aviation Secretary affordable for passengers, reduce taxes on air turbine fuel Shri.P S Kharola admitted that (ATF) that is taxed at very high rates, and boost the regulations governing manufacturing and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) civilian helicopter operations in activities for helicopters in India, Kharola said. India are very restrictive and “Somehow helicopters have not seen the growth we they make operation unviable have seen in fixed-wing planes in our country,” he said. and that the government is working to ease these “On the fixed planes side, the traffic has been growing regulations so that the common man is benefitted. He also 15-16 per cent during the last 10 years. added that,“Somehow, what has happened is that the But helicopters somehow did not get to the right place regulations which were meant for fixed-wing planes have so that they could grow,” he said. just been applied with little modifications to the helicopters.” Helicopters are versatile machines and they are He further said, his ministry is focusing on creating a involved in various functions like rescue operations, network of heliports to boost helicopter operations in India. emergency operations or medical evacuation operations, In this regard he said that there are certain places in South Kharola said. India too where movement with helicopters is very desirable Even now, helicopters are being used to fight the locust and it is possible. So, the first thing we are concentrating swarms which have come into the western part of the on is creating a network of heliports. In this, we are getting country, he added. RWSI raises pending issues related to Civil Helicopter Operations with MOCA
During the quarter ending 30 Sep 20, RWSI held two Authority of India (a) Rising cost of Airport charges in virtual meetings with Smt.Usha Padhee, Joint Secretary terms of hangar and land rentals, (b) Need for Night Parking MOCA, to discuss issues affecting the Civil Helicopter permission to be waived, (c) Upgradation of ATC Services Operators in the Country. In the first virtual meeting held for Offshore Operations, (d) Creation of Heliport Cell in on 24 Aug 20, Capt Uday Gelli, Advisor Heligo Charters AAI, (e) Permissions for operations to temporary / one time Pvt. Ltd, Gp Capt M K Labroo, Vice President UT Air and use helipads to be made simple and practical, (2) DGCA (a) Secretary General RWSI and Shri R N Johri, CEO Aman Operational issues should be approved at regional offices Aviation Pvt. Ltd. were present. The details of the issues by FOIs posted in respective regions, (b) Need to simplify raised were reported in the Rotor India E Monthly / modify existing rules for helicopters to enable helicopters September 2020. undertake a variety of other roles, (c) Procedure for A second virtual meeting was held with Smt.Usha implementation of CAP 3400 to be simplified, (d)The Padhee, Joint Secretary MOCA, on 30 Sep 20 to discuss privileges of Commercial Pilots Licenses (Helicopters) were issues affecting the Civil Helicopter Operators in the amended to bring them at par with ICAO standards way Country. She invited key representatives of DGCA, AAI back in 2006 and ALTP (H) was not amended and (e) E- and BCAS to participate in the meeting and respond to the GCA. Routine matters at time takes months to get a decision. issues raised by the RWSI representatives. The details of Rolling out of E-GCA for FSD Helicopters would help resolve the issues discussed will be reported in the Rotor India E the issue. Please read our Rotor India E Monthly October Monthly October 2020. However, the issues raised by the 2020 for the decisions taken at the meeting. RWSI representatives at the meeting included, (1) Airport
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78 New Routes Approved Under UDAN 4.0
78 new routes under the 4th round of Regional to Kanpur (Chakeri), 19.Kanpur (Chakeri) to Aligarh, Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UdeDesh Ka 20.Aligarh to Kanpur (Chakeri), 21. Kanpur (Chakeri) AamNagrik (UDAN) have been approved following to Chitrakoot, 22.Chitrakoot to Prayagraj/Allahabad, the three successful rounds of bidding by the Ministry 23. Prayagraj/Allahabad to Chitrakoot, 24.Chitrakoot of Civil Aviation. This will further enhance the to Varanasi, 25.Varanasi to Chitrakoot, 26. Chitrakoot connectivity to remote and regional areas of the to Kanpur (Chakeri), 27.Kanpur (Chakeri) to Shravasti, country. The North Eastern Region, Hilly States and 28.Shravasti to Varanasi, 29.Varanasi to Shravasti, Islands have been given priority in the approval 30.Shravasti to Prayagraj/ Allahabad, 31.Prayagraj/ process for the new routes. Allahabad to Shravasti, 32.Shravasti to Kanpur Special boost is being given to connectivity in North (Chakeri), 33.Bareilly to Delhi,34.Delhi to East with routes from Guwahati to Tezu, Rupsi, Tezpur, Bareilly,35.Cochin International Airport(CIAL) to Passighat, Misa and Shillong. People will be able to Agatti, 36.Agatti to Cochin International fly from Hissar to Chandigarh, Dehradun and Airport(CIAL),37.Aizawl to Tezpur, 38.Tezpur to Dharmshala under these UDAN 4 routes. Routes Aizawl,39.Agartala to Dibrugarh ,40.Dibrugarh to from Varanasi to Chitrakoot and Shravasti have also Agartala, 41.Shillong to Passighat, 42.Passighat to been approved.Agatti, Kavaratti and Minicoy islands Guwahati,43.Guwahati to Passighat, 44.Passighat to of Lakshadweep have also been connected by the Shillong, 45.Guwahati to Tezpur, 46.Tezpur to new routes of UDAN 4.0. So far, 766 routes have Guwahati,47.Guwahati to Misa(Heliport), 48. been sanctioned under the UDAN scheme. 29 served, Misa(Heliport) to Geleki,49.Geleki to Jorhat,50. Jorhat 08 unserved (including 02 heliports and 01 water to Geleki, 51.Geleki to Misa (Heliport), 52.Misa aerodrome), and 02 underserved airports have been (Heliport) to Guwahati, 53.Agatti to Minicoy, 54. included in the list for approved routes. Minicoy to Agatti, 55.Agatti to Kavaratti,56.Kavaratti to Agatti,57.Guwahati to Shillong, 58.Shillong to The 4th round of UDAN was launched in Dimapur, 59.Dimapur to Shillong,60.Imphal to December 2019 with a special focus on North-Eastern Silchar,61.Silchar to Imphal, 62.Shillong to Regions, Hilly States, and Islands. The airports that Guwahati,63.Agartala to Shillong,64.Shillong to had already been developed by AAI are given higher Imphal,65.Imphal to Shillong,66.Shillong to priority for the award of VGF(Viability Gap Funding) Agartala,67.Imphal to Shillong,68.Shillong to under the Scheme. Under UDAN 4, the operation of Silchar,69.Silchar to Shillong,70.Shillong to helicopter and seaplanes is also been incorporated. Imphal,71.Shillong to Dibrugarh,72.Dibrugarh to Since its inception, MoCA has operationalized 274 Shillong,73.Delhi to Shimla.74.Shimla to Delhi,75.Diu UDAN routes that have connected 45 airports and 3 to Surat,76.Surat to Diu,77.Diu to Vadodara and heliports. 78.Vadodara to Diu. The new approved RCS routes are as below List of Unserved airports:1.Tezu, Arunachal 1. Guwahati to Tezu, 2. Tezu to Imphal, 3. Imphal Pradesh, 2.Rupsi, Assam, 3.Bilaspur, Chattisgarh, to Tezu, 4.Tezu to Guwahati, 5. Guwahati to Rupsi, 6. 4. Hisar, Haryana, 5. Misa (Heliport), Assam,6.Geleki Rupsi to Kolkata,7. Kolkata to Rupsi, 8. Rupsi to (Heliport), Assam,7. Minicoy, Lakshadweep, Guwahati, 9. Bilaspur to Bhopal, 10.Bhopal to 8.Kavaratti (Water aerodrome), Lakshadweep. Bilaspur,11.Hissar to Dharamshala,12.Dharamshala to :1.Agatti, Hissar,13.Hissar to Chandigarh,14.Chandigarh to List of Under served airports Lakshadweep and 2.Passighat, Arunachal Pradesh. Hissar,15.Hissar to Dehradun,16.Dehradun to Hissar, 17. Kanpur (Chakeri) to Moradabad,18.Moradabad
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Status Report on ONGC Offshore Helicopter Contracts
ONGC had invited bids from helicopter operators for contracting 12 helicopters to meet their requirement of offshore crew change flights. ONGC requires 6 Group I helicopters (below 5700 Kgs AUW) and 6 Group II helicopters (above 5700 Kgs AUW). Four Indian companies i. e. PHL, GVHL, HCPL and UHPL bid for these contracts. PHL bid for Group II helicopters was rejected on technical grounds. Now they are in the reckoning for only Group I helicopters. It is learnt that there is a shortage of Group I helicopters such as Airbus A365N3+ and Bell 412 helicopters and lease rentals being high, even the lowest bid is about 50% higher than the old rates. However, in Group II, AW 139s are available at lower lease rentals and the lowest quotation is 8 % lower than the previous contract. Heligo Charters Private Limited is the Bid of M/S United Helicharters Private Limited for Group lowest bidder and has been awarded the contract for 3 AW II helicopter was the higher. As the parent company, Gulf 139 helicopters. M/S Global Vectra Helicorp Limited had Helicopter Corporation is not willing to revise their terms bid for 6 Group I helicopters and 6 Group II helicopters and to match the lowest bidder just for operation of one been awarded contract for 2 AW 139 helicopters as they helicopter, they are out of reckoning. This remaining agreed to revise their financial bid in line with the lowest helicopter has thus also been awarded to M/S Global Vectra bidder. Helicorp Limited as GVHL agreed to meet the financial bid M/S Pawan Hans is also likely to be awarded contract put forwarded bt the lowest bidder. The financial for one Group I helicopter for which they propose to deploy negotiations are still going on for fixing Group I helicopter a Sikorsky S 76 helicopter. rates; retendering in this Group is also being actively considered by ONGC in this group. ONGC Heli Base at Juhu takes Safety Initiative to Implement Safety Management System It is gratifying to note that ONGC has decided to implement Safety Management System in the Aviation Function of their Offshore Logistics. ONGC is the single largest user of helicopters in the country and is using 24 helicopters for offshore flights. The Safety Management System as envisaged in ICAO Doc 9859 does not strictly apply as ONGC is not an aircraft operator. But being users of helicopter services, it must be in appreciation of the Safety Management System as a tool to prevent accidents and incidents that ONGC has undertaken this initiative. ONGC undertakes a variety of aviation related functions at Juhu Helibase. They function as a mini airport, in that they have passenger check in, passenger security check, passenger briefing and helicopter boarding processes. They also have a small role of Air Cargo Service ONGC in this endeavor as there is great scope for enhancing as they ship important equipment by helicopters to their SAFETY in offshore helicopter operations. RWSI will be offshore installations. imparting SMS training to all employees especially to the ONGC also dispenses ATF to helicopters and is Safety Manager. All the processes will be studied for safety approved by DGCA for this service. ONGC helibase also risk and a process for Hazard Identification, Risk bears responsibility for conveying information to ONGC Assessment and Risk Mitigation will be put in place. A offshore installations about improvements required at SMS Manual and other documentation will be prepared. helidecks for safe operation of helicopters. Implementing RWSI will help in making Safety Committee, Safety Action Safety Management System in such diverse dimensions is Groups and in conducting monthly meetings and quarterly an onerous task. meetings. With SMS in place we can look forward to ONGC has contracted the services of RWSI for initial improved overall Safety Performance in offshore helicopter implementation. RWSI is happy to be partnering with operations.
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MUSINGS OF A PROUD “ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT” PRODUCT I am DHRUV There have been many assessments by many specialists about the future requirements of helicopters in India, both for military and civil use.One such detailed analysis was done sometimes back by Col(retd) Arun Kumar (Manufacturing Helicopter in India: Issues and Concerns). It would suffice to say that there is a huge requirement of helicopters in India. With the emphasis on ‘’ Make in India”(Atmanirbhar Bharat), the trend will be to make in India, either buy & make or design and make in India. Buy and make will amount to ‘licence production’ with promises of transfer of technology which normally results, in due course of time, a very little to speak of. No company is going to transfer their “star” technology and therefore non consequential material/technology will be passed on. This in any case will not result in ‘atmanirbhar bharat” in it’s true sense. It will only perpetuate dependence and followership and not “atmanirbharata”. It will be interesting to read this article ‘What Holds Back Indian Military Aviation Development - Historic Perspective By a Retired “Any Mission, Any time, Any where” Surgeon’ published in Air Power Asia (“https:// I am Dhruv Helicopter,also called ALH(Advanced Light airpowerasia.com/2020/06/02/what-holds-back-indian- Helicopter)in my childhood. Govt of India’s plans to bring military-aviation- development-historic-perspective-by-a- retired-surgeon/amp/? twitter_impression = true&fbclid= me to this world by Hindustan Aeronautics IwAR0a2_JBZTSW qRkI5Sj0Q7Y7QR1dntRYABl- Ltd(HAL)started in mid 70s but were revised and given NFivW6cXHI9ZaPpjIx DY4Gc”) final shape in mid 80s.HAL was tasked to A very truthfully done analysis of what is the industrial design,manufacture, with the technical support of infrastructure status in India and its impact on the aerospace Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB), a German aerospace industry. company. I was the child of five “Pandav”, Indian Army, Let me give you examples from my growth history . Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and the Civil Heli ops as my The requirements were defined by the Services based customisation required that I should satisfy the Military on the threat perception and service demands at that point Specification, FAR part 29, and the individual Services Air in time in the 1970s. Staff Situations change and so do the requirements. Requirements (ASRs).Technologically I was to be Therefore it was obvious that gradually the requirements change affecting the design process. Having said that, advanced and light, meeting all the future requirements of finally some sort of specs were frozen in the late 80s and India (and export if possible). the design proceeded. Such a scenario in future can not be discounted and concerned people need to be aware of this. Being advanced in design, the technological requirement of the components was complex (at least from the status in India at that time). Component design was done as per the design requirement but the manufacturing infrastructure did not exist in India . In any case the cost benefits and the time frame required for setting up manufacturing units dictated that the orders be placed with foreign manufacturers who were specialists in that field. For example specialty elastomeric bearings,bushes,collector gear and many such small and big items had to be manufactured abroad as per the design specifications. These parts when assembled and tested required some modification /changes. So the parts were sent back .Time and money consumed for this back and forth exercise was great and resulted in delays. ....Continued in the next page
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Anbuvelan Takes over as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HAL’s Helicopter Complex Mr S Anbuvelan has taken over as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HAL’s Helicopter Complex on 01 Oct 20. Prior to this, he was heading the Helicopter Division as Executive Director. “My focus will be to ensure quality products & services and timely delivery from Helicopter Complex”, said Mr Anbuvelan after taking the charge. Mr Anbuvelan did his graduation in mechanical engineering from Alagappa Chettiar College of Engineering, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu and holds a Post Graduate Degree of M Tech in Aircraft Production Engineering from IIT Madras. He also holds Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from XIME, Bengaluru. He joined HAL as a management trainee (technical) in 1986 and has experience of 34 years in various key positions. Some of the highlights of his career so far include productionising ALH’s integrated transmission assembly, ramping up production of ALH gear boxes, reduction of snags during equipping of ALH, training & development of employees, quality improvements in ROH of Cheetah & Chetak helicopters at Barrackpore, streamlining of ALH production and implementation of latest technologies in the field of manufacturing & assembly of helicopter products.
Continued from the previous page As was apparent in the case of Dhruv, the product Crash worthy seats is another example. No one would support and marketing needs to be modernised. It is often set up a factory to manufacture these where the complained that the cost of indigenous helicopters is higher requirements are so small. It had to be ordered from abroad. than the imported. Here the Govt of India will need to Helicopter engines are a breed by themselves. For a very reconsider the import tariffs on helicopter components long time this need will unfortunately be fulfilled by imported for indigenously designed and assembled importing. machines. Now consider this. The manufacturing/assembling of It must also be understood that when the helicopter parts require “process sheets’ ‘ which must be meticulously comes out after certification, it needs maturing in an documented for future generations so that the quality operational situation. That is a toiling job where the users control is maintained. If companies do license have to display patience. Unlike a ready made foreign production(buy and make),they receive ready made “bought out” machine (which the operators of the origin “process sheets”. When it is your own design, then your country toiled and sweated to mature), the indigenously own people have to document it correctly. It took a lot of designed and assembled machine will need to go through effort and time for designers/ manufacturers to perfect these the paces.The pains of such a process would reduce with respect to my components, assembly of components, tremendously with coordinated experience of the testing of components etc.For us to be self sufficient in the manufacturer and the operators. true sense there is no escape from this. From the experience of helicopter designing/ It is never cost effective to manufacture every item in manufacturing/assembling and testing/certification in India the country.The time delays and the mounting costs would so far, we should be confident to undertake any future prohibit it. Therefore many parts have to be contracted to requirements in India. More private companies have to come foreig (friendly) firms. In today’s global world no country forward (without looking at quick ROI), join hands with manufactures whole machines indigenously. The definition PSUs and enlarge the scope and space for undertaking of indigenous production needs to read “indigenous design such commitments. The Helicopter Division of HAL, alone ownership,key process ownership and product integration may not be able to meet the task. Even the Helicopter ownership” Division will need to be set free from the present constraints It is a great tribute to the helicopter designers, of meeting service demands and given the task of meeting manufacturers, flight testing crew of HAL and the both service and civil demands. PPP (public/private certification authorities (military and civil) in India who did partnership) models appear to be the way to go for the an excellent job of making Dhruv a success story future of the indigenously designed helicopter notwithstanding that this was their first venture. We can manufacturing industry in India and for the therefore be confident that the expertise has been preserved Atmanirbhar Bharat Products to bloom with and improved upon over the years, as shown by the all their hues. success of LCH (Light Combat Helicopter) and LUH (Light About the author Utility Helicopter). It can be confidently concluded that Wg.Cdr.(Retd) C D Upadhyay Vr.C. any design,developing ,manufacturing, flight testing and Former Chief Test Pilot (RW) HAL, certification of either military or civil helicopter in India can General manager Flt Ops and CEO HATSOFF be a successful venture. (Helicopter Academy to Train By Simulation of Flying.
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Helicopter Logistic Support in Ladakh
The proud Indian helicopter design,development and manufacturing industry has now reached a mature state after the successful customer demonstration in Ladakh by LCH (Light Combat Helicopter) and LUH (Light Utility Helicopter) from the inventory of HAL. The musings of this proud ‘atma nirbhar bharat’ product, shared in the following article predicted similar thoughts a couple of months back. Out of the already delivered Dhruv helicopters, over https://drive.google.com/file/d/ two dozen are continuously carrying out logistic support 1WOwCqQdFDOiXQwI1UiDDTfpyBCytObOD/ tasks in the Ladakh area. Though the Cheetal, also an view?usp=sharing indigenously modified helicopter, has been engaged in this Today (29 Sep 2020) was another important milestone role, the Dhruv Mk III delivers close to ten times the payload in the history of indigenous helicopters when the 300th at those high altitudes at extreme temperatures when production model of Dhruv helicopter rolled out of the compared to the Cheetal. The useful payload carrying Helicopter Division hangar. capacity of Dhruv MkII and the effective armament carrying capacity of Rudra (Dhruv Mk IV) at those high altitudes just can not be matched by any other existing helicopter. India has to be very proud of this great achievement. With over 2,80,000 flying hours Dhruv has proven to be a multi role, multitask helicopter for “Any Mission,Any Place, Any Time”
RWSI WELCOMES CAPT RAJAT KAURA
Capt. Rajat Kaura took over as Director (Business Development and Projects) in the Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI) on 21-09-2020. Capt Rajat Kaura is an experienced helicopter pilot with over 3 decades of flying in 5 countries spanning 3 continents. He flew the Attack helicopters while serving in the Indian Air Force for over 15 years. As a commercial pilot, he flew for over 6 years in India and a bit more in Australia. He flew as a HEMS pilot in Australia and was awarded Gold Wings for flying more than 400 missions. He is experienced on NVGs and his professional licences include CPL(H) and ATPL(H) from India and Australia. He is also qualified as a drone operator from Australia. He has taught ground subjects for over 6 years in India and Australia. He has a variety of experience in both the defence and commercial spaces.
The Rotary Wing Society of India #609, 6th Floor, I-Thum Tower-A, A-40, Sector-62, NOIDA-201301 Phone : 0120-4252346, 4252347 Mobile: 8928576114, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected], Website : www.rwsi.org
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Integrated Air Ambulance Service Launched in Bengaluru On 8 Sep20, Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa launched an integrated air ambulance service equipped with a state-of-the-art German Isolation Pod that will enable safe transport of critical COVID-19 patients. The service has been developed by ICATT (International Critical Air Transfer Team), an air ambulance company, in collaboration with Kyathi, an aviation technology firm for long-distance emergency travel by fixed wing, helicopters and land transport for last mile connectivity in the region. The fixed wing and helicopter air ambulance, stationed at HAL airport in Bengaluru, will be the first air ambulance based out of South India, enabling quick services during medical emergencies in the region, overcoming the challenge of heavy road traffic. The introduction of an air ambulance service comes at a time when several lives have been lost due to long hours of travel time to hospitals. The company will also have a comprehensive medevac team of doctors, intensivists, perfusionists and paramedics. Karnataka chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa, said the air ambulance, stationed in Bengaluru, could be used across South India. RWSI, which has conducted many seminars and workshops to popularise Helicopter Emergency Medical Services in the Country since 2006, found cost of operations and regulatory constraints were great impediments in the sustainability of similar ventures in the past. OSS Air Management which launched the first dedicated HEMS in January 2012 failed owing to within the first one hour, a period referred to as the Golden lack of demand. Similarly, the Aviators Air Rescue Pvt Ltd, Hour. which joined forces with Air Medical Group Holdings As the cost of operations are so high, the HEMS (AMGH), a leading U.S. provider of air medical transport prospects will not change without the government stepping services launched emergency medical services on 15 in and offering subsidy to the operators and, therefore, the December 2016 failed to take off after it reportedly defaulted patients. on payments to lessors and had to shut down. There are a number of reasons why HEMS isn’t doing good in India. Thirdly, it’s also the insurance companies who must be willing to support the operators – as done in other parts of The time taken to receive clearance after filing the flight the world. plan needs to be reduced, as this is vital to the quick response to an emergency call by an air-medical helicopter. An integrated air ambulance service is a boon for For Primary patients, providing timely medical care is of patients who need immediate medical care and for those paramount importance as most patients of severe trauma suffering from chronic disease and lack of access to or heart attack or life threatening medical emergency, die advanced medical facility in the vicinity.
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Since Indian and Chinese armies have had a standoff in the Ladakh sector in Jun 20, the IAF has intensified its day-night missions in the forward areas of Ladakh. These missions are also projecting its capability to carry out all- weather combat missions from its forward airbase Leh in the Ladakh area. The air force’s MiG-29 fighter jets, Sukhoi- 30s, Apache AH-64E attack helicopters and CH-47F (I) Chinook multi-mission helicopters are among the platforms that are undertaking night missions from Leh.The former IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Fali H Major (retd) said that it is a clear message that we have the capability and it can be used as and when required. The night flying activity seen in Ladakh is also part of IAF training to keep the skills of pilots and other personnel involved in the Air Operations. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has withdrawn up to 1.5 km from friction areas in Galwan Valley, Daulat Beg Oldie sector to support the military. Hot Springs and Gogra along the LAC, and the Indian Army The IAF’s new inductions - the Apache attack has pulled back proportionately, acting on an understanding and Chinook multi-mission helicopters - have significantly reached between top Indian and Chinese military enhanced the IAF’s capabilities, the officials said. Armed commanders on a phased de-escalation of the ongoing with fire-and-forget Hellfire missiles, an Apache can track border conflict. up to 128 targets a minute and prioritize threats. The missiles The IAF has played a key role in the Ladakh sector equip the gunships with anti-armour capabilities. The since border tensions began in early May. Its C-17 Chinook’s main roles include transporting troops, artillery Globemaster III transport aircraft have been used to move and battlefield resupply. The defence ministry last week soldiers, tanks and infantry combat vehicles to the sector, approved the purchase of weapons and ammunition worth while C-130J Super Hercules aircraft have undertaken Rs 38,900 crore, including 33 new fighter jets for the IAF sorties to the advanced landing ground in the strategic that is grappling with a shortage of warplanes.
IAF Receives Final Delivery of Apache and Chinook Military Helicopters
10 Jul 20.New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) received the delivery of all new AH-64E Apache and CH-47F(I) Chinook military helicopters today. The final five of the 22 Apache attack helicopters were handed over to the IAF at Air Force Station, Hindon. Earlier in March 20 , Boeing had handed over the last five of 15 CH-47F (I) Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to the IAF.In September 2015, the MOD had placed its order with Boeing for the production, training and support of 22 AH- 64E Apache and 15 CH-47F (I) Chinook helicopters. In the recent border tensions between India and China, the IAF had to deploy its assets including Apache and Chinook at forward bases in Ladakh. While Apache tracked and monitored the movement of Chinese troops, Chinook played a critical role in the movement of men and equipment in the critical areas of Ladakh.
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IAF Carries Out Nighttime Patrol in Eastern Ladakh
It is reported that in a demonstration of its Air Power, aircraft to several key air bases including Leh and the IAF has been carrying out night time combat air patrols Srinagar. It has also deployed Apache attack choppers and over the mountainous eastern Ladakh region as part of its Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to transport troops to various decision to maintain a high-level of readiness forward locations. The frontline fighter jets have increased notwithstanding disengagement of troops by China from a their sorties in Ladakh and nearby areas. number of friction points in the area. The frequency of day and night operations by frontline fighter jets is a signal that India will continue to put pressure on China until the status quo ante is restored in all the areas in eastern Ladakh including Pangong Tso, Gogra and Hot Springs. It is further reported that both the Army and the IAF will maintain their high alert level along the Line of Actual Control even as China has begun pulling back troops from several areas as part of a mutual disengagement process. The IAF has significantly enhanced deployment of its frontline jets, attack helicopters and transport fleet in all its key bases guarding the airspace along the LAC in view of heightened border tension with China. The IAF has also pressed into service a fleet of C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft as well as C-130J Super Hercules in transporting heavy military equipment and weaponry to several forward bases to further ramp up India’s military preparedness in the region. The IAF is also using its Ilyushin-76 fleet to transport troops to various areas along the LAC, the 3,500 km de-facto border between India and China, the sources said. They said the force has already moved a sizeable number of its frontline Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar, Mirage 2000 Situation Update: Eastern Ladakh Posted On: 31 AUG 2020
On the Night of 29/30 August 2020, PLA troops violated the previous consensus arrived at during military and diplomatic engagements during the ongoing standoff in Eastern Ladakh and carried out provocative military movements to change the status quo. Indian troops pre- empted this PLA activity on the Southern Bank of Pangong Tso Lake, undertook measures to strengthen our positions and thwart Chinese intentions to unilaterally change facts on ground. The Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquility through dialogue, but is also equally determined to protect its territorial integrity. A Brigade Commander level Flag Meeting is in progress at Chushul to resolve the issues. India-China Live: India changes rules of changed and the field commanders have been empowered engagement along LAC after clash with China to order troops to use firearms under extraordinary It is learnt that the Rules of Engagement have been circumstances.
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Army Aviation: Experiences & Reflections Casualty Evacuation – North Sikkim
The Air OP became the Army Aviation Corps (AAC) on the narrow valleys and poor visibility one wrong move could 1 Nov 1986 and I was fortunate to be part of this historical result in a crash with no chance of recovery or survival at moment, as I had just been posted back to flying in Feb that altitude, especially keeping in mind the prevailing 1986 on promotion as a Flight Commander, after finishing weather conditions and sub zero temperatures. At this point my tenure as Brigade Major of a Mountain Brigade. The there was also a major danger of getting into a ‘Whiteout’, Flight was part of 659 Air OP Squadron (later 659 Army a condition that can occur when loose snow engulfs the Aviation Squadron) equipped with Cheetah helicopters helicopter, resulting in complete spatial disorientation, with every likely hood of a crash. The immediate reaction was to located at Air Force Station Bagdogra, near Siliguri. turn back and get out of this extremely dangerous and ac- During this period I carried out extensive operational cident prone situation. Having turned back and after flying flying in Sikkim, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh, landing at for approximately 10 minutes, while simultaneously de- helipads as high as 18000 feet. Casualty evacuation was scending to a lower altitude, we found that the weather and one of the key tasks of the AAC especially from areas of visibility was slightly better with the snow turning into North Sikkim Plateau where there were no road light rain - the thought of the jawan dying however kept communication with punishing climatic conditions - majority bothering me. At that moment there was a very serious of the helipads were located at altitudes between 15000- dilemma and conflict going on in my mind on the basic 18000 feet. issue of ‘Flight Safety versus Life’ and a decision taken either way could prove disastrous. I had been part of nu- I would like to narrate one such casualty evacuation merous Casualty Evacuation Missions earlier in this area experience in North Sikkim which turned out to be a case of with some extremely challenging, but had never ever faced life and death for both the casualty as well the helicopter such a difficult situation of extreme inhospitable weather, crew. It was dreary and cloudy Sunday afternoon with in- which was extremely detrimental to safe helicopter opera- termittent rain at Bagdogra, when around 3pm we got a call tions. To add to our woes time was very critical at this from the Corps HQ located at Sukhna, for the evacuation of juncture with just an hour of daylight being available to get a critical case of Pulmonary Odema from Giagong, located out the mountains. I discussed the situation with my co- at 15000 feet in North Sikkim. Seeing the weather being pilot, who himself was a very hardened and experienced marginal and time very critical, I decided to undertake this aviator and we came to the conclusion that despite the mission myself. There was a Standard Operating Proce- adverse conditions prevailing, it was worth making another dure (SOP) in the Squadron of keeping standby helicop- attempt. The very thought that if not evacuated the boy ters, ground and air crew for casualty evacuation missions will no doubt die, made us do what we did despite the 24x7 including Sunday’s and holidays. It is interesting to odds. We once again set course for Giagong and gradually note here that the Bagdogra airfield is located at an altitude started gaining altitude, keeping the helicopter about 50 of 415 feet, while we were required to operate at altitudes feet above the valley floor which was white with snow and beyond 15000 feet, where the requirement of oxygen for ensuring that we were not kicking up any fresh snow. At the pilots was also critical – this was catered for in the approximately the same spot as in the earlier attempt, we helicopter itself with oxygen cylinders and masks located again encountered snow though the intensity was less and next to each pilot. Also the weather phenomena in the moun- visibility a shade better - in any case there was no turning tains, especially high altitudes changed frequently and was back now and it was akin to a do or die situation. The next not very conducive to helicopter flying after 1200 hrs. As seven to eight minutes of flying towards Giagong seemed per the SOP followed by Air Force and AAC for flying in like hours with anxiety and tension writ large on our faces, these areas, except for operational and critical casualty requiring frequent inhaling of oxygen - a disturbing thought evacuation missions, all helicopters were required to clear that was lurking at the back of my mind was, ‘what if the the hills by 1200hrs. The current forecast for North Sikkim route back or the window as called in flying parlance closes was very gloomy but nevertheless an attempt had to be due to further deterioration of weather’. What a relief it was made, for it involved a precious life and was ultimately a when we finally spotted the Giagong helipad which had matter of trust between the Aviators and troops on ground. been prepared for the helicopter landing despite the heavy We were airborne within 20 minutes of the call and after snow, but to our dismay there was no one at the helipad encountering intermittent rain and high velocity winds and which is located slightly away from the Giagong Post – the having flown for 45 minutes, we were finally just 10 min- Company Commander possibly had given up hope, in the utes flying time from Giagong – at this stage we were flying knowledge that no helicopter could normally make it in this at about 13000 feet. This is when our luck ran out, with the type of weather. However, the sound of the helicopter weather turning for the worse as we encountered heavy galvanised the Post into war like action and with the snow snowfall with the visibility dropping to almost zero. Due to
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Lt Gen BS Pawar PVSM AVSM (V) is a an alumnus of NDA, Defense Services Staff College and National Defense College. The General officer, from Artillery, has a distinguished service of over 40 years in the Indian army. He is a keen aviator and has spent 17 years of his career in aviation related assignments and has 4000 hours of flying experience to his credit. He has flown extensively in all areas of East North East as well as J&K including siachen.He is also a Qualified Flying Instructor and headed the Army Aviation Corps from April 2004 to July 2006. The first ALH (Dhruv) unit was operationalized during his tenure and also the first Cheetah simulator was installed at Combat Aviation Training School, Nasik. Before retirement the General Officer was Commandant School of Artillery where he was instrumental in operationlization and coordination of UAV in the army. For his dedication and distinguished service of very high order he was awarded the PVSM. Earlier he was also awarded AVSM. General is into freelance writing on aviation and other strategic and defence related issue which are published in leading defense journals. He is President RWSI, Northern Region since may 2011.
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Navy’s ‘SAMUDRA SETU’ Op ends after bringing Home 3,992 Citizens The Indian Navy has concluded its ‘Operation Samudra Setu’, a mission to bring home Indian citizens from foreign countries who were facing hardships because of the COVID-19 pandemic, ANI reported on Wednesday, 8 July. In total, the Navy is reported to have repatriated 3992 Indian citizens by sea. Four Navy ships picked up Indians from Male in the Maldives, Colombo in Sri Lanka and Bandar Abbas in Iran. The passengers disembarked at Kochi, Tuticorin and Porbandar. Most citizens repatriated under this operation, which ran alongside with the Vande Bharat mission bringing back Indians by plane, boarded the ships at Male. The last batch of citizens landed on 1 July. The Indian Navy launched the operation on 5 May, with evacuations from the Maldives the first phase of the plan. The term ‘Samudra Setu’ means ‘Sea Bridge’ in Hindi. The INS Jalashwa picked up the first group of citizens, numbering 698, from Male on 8 May. 2386 people were brought back to India from the Maldives, 686 from Sri Lanka, and 920 from Iran. The final ship left Bandar Abbas on 25 June and arrived at Tuticorin on 1 July. Each ship was fully equipped with medical supplies, doctors, hygienists and nutritionists. Passengers were allowed on board after medical screening and maintained on the ships following appropriate COVID-19 protocols. The Indian Navy had also announced that it would be carrying some of their own special equipment prepared for tackling the coronavirus on board these ships.The four Navy ships involved were the INS Jalashwa, INS Magar, INS Airavat About MH-60R “ROMEO” Maritime Helicopter The U.S Navy is the main operator of the MH- 60R with 289 units in its fleet. It is the primary anti- submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare helicopter in the fleet. The MH-60R combines the features of the SH- 60B and SH-60F aircraft. Its sensors package includes an MTS-FLIR, the AN/APS-147 multi- mode radar/IFF interrogator, an advanced airborne fleet data link, and a more advanced airborne active low frequency sonar (ALFS). Offensive capabilities are improved by the addition of new Mk-54 air- launched torpedoes and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. The orders for 24 Sikorsky MH60-R Multi- Role helicopters for the Indian Navy is G2G deal under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme. The deal inked during the visit of the US President Donald Trump, worth almost $ 3billion has taken the US-India arms trade to almost $ 20 billion and has further consolidated the defence 2021 and comes at a time when the Indian Ocean Region is underpinnings of the strategic relationship. Procured under witnessing increasing security threat due to the proliferation the ‘Buy (Global)’ Category, the delivery is planned early of enemy submarines.
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Women Officers in Helicopter Stream of Indian Navy
Sub Lieutenant (SLt) Kumudini Tyagi and SLt Riti Singh would, in 21 Sep 20. In yet another first in the history of Indian effect, be the first set of women airborne tacticians in India to operate from the deck of Indian Navy warships. Image Credit: naval aviation, two women officers have been selected to Twitter @@DefencePROkochi join as “Observers” (Airborne Tacticians) in the helicopter stream. They would in effect, be the first set of women time women are going to be trained in helicopter operations airborne combatants who would be operating from which would ultimately pave way for the deployment of warships. Earlier, entry of women was restricted to the fixed women in frontline warships of Indian Navy. wing aircraft that took off and landed ashore. The officers of the 91st Regular course and 22nd SSC These officers, Sub Lieutenant (SLt) Kumudini Tyagi Observer course were trained in air navigation, flying and SLtRiti Singh, are a part of a group of 17 officers of the procedures, tactics employed in air warfare, anti-submarine Indian Navy, including four women officers and three warfare and exploitation of airborne avionic systems. These officers of the Indian Coast Guard (13 officers of Regular officers would serve on-board Maritime Reconnaissance batch and 04 woman officers of Short Service Commission and Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft of the Indian Navy batch) who were awarded “Wings” on graduating as and Indian Coast Guard. “Observers” at a ceremony held on 21 Sep 20 at INS Garuda, From the 91st Regular Observer Course, Lieutenant Kochi. The ceremony was presided by Rear Admiral Hitesh Singh was awarded the Uttar Pradesh Trophy on Antony George NM, VSM, Chief Staff Officer (Training) being adjudged ‘First in the Overall Order of Merit’ while Lt who presented the awards and coveted wings to the Anuj Kumar was awarded the Flag Officer Commanding-in- graduating officers. In addition, the Chief guest also Chief, Eastern Naval Command Trophy for being adjudged awarded the ‘Instructor Badge’ to six other officers, (five ‘Best in Flying’. Lt Hitesh Singh was also awarded Sub Lt from the Indian Navy including a woman and another from RV Kunte memorial Book Prize on being adjudged ‘Best in Indian Coast Guard) who had successfully graduated as Ground Subjects’. From 22nd SSC Observer Course Qualified Navigation Instructors (QNI) on the occasion. SLtKreeshma R was awarded the Book Prize for being Speaking on the occasion, Rear Admiral Antony George adjudged ‘Best in Overall Order of Merit’. while complementing the graduating officers highlighted the fact that it is a landmark occasion wherein for the first-
Mumbai, Sep 19. Historic decommissioned Indian Navy ‘Viraat’ aircraft carrier of Indian Navy ‘Viraat’ commenced its last commenced its last journey on September 19. The aircraft carrier started its last journey from Mumbai journey on September 19. naval dockyard and will reach Gujarat port. Indian Navy on its official twitter account tweeted, “Viraat Callsign “Romeo Two Two” - End of an era, a glorious chapter in the history of @indiannavy. She departs Mumbai today for her final journey. Old ships never die, their spirit lives on.”
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Real Time Aircrew Stress Management System - Monitoring, Evaluation & Corrective Actions in equal measure to conquer any adverse or challenging situation.These challenges impose requirements which may exceed the capability of the aircrew and can perpetuate increased levels of stress and anxiety. In our stressful living world, the maintenance of an idealcerebral performance is a constant contest. Individuals muster both cognitive and physiological resources to deal with such situations. However, if the individual is uncertain of his or her ability to manage the threat, anxiety arises. This further disrupts the individual’s ability to manage the threatening situation by degrading attention and working memory. Figure-1 Attention is focusing of one’s mind on one task/ thought or a stream of sensory input from a myriad of Aviation history is beleaguered with fatalities and possibilities. Whereas, working memory is a very small accidents. World over scientific forays have been made subset of the vast store of an individual’s long-term memory, into crash investigations and the lessons thereof have momentarily activated so that it can be quickly accessed been used to better the aviation safety record. and manipulated. While lessons pertaining to machines have been largely incorporated, the human aspect continues to elude. There Attention control theory suggests that anxiety distracts is implicating evidence to show that between humans and the individual from task at hand. Individuals under stress helicopters the human mind is more complex. may process information less fully and may have difficulty Understanding the human mind and harnessing its switching attention among multiple tasks in a controlled intricacies is at the heart of enhancing aviation safety. fashion and consequently their management of the overall situation may become incoherent and chaotic. Anxious/ HUMAN FACTORS AND AIRCRAFT ACCIDENTS [7] stressful thoughts preempt working memory’s limited Modern scientific techniques of accident storage capacity. Individuals will experience degradation investigation have deduced that approximately 70 to 80% in their situational awareness and shall also have difficulty of all civil and military aviation accidents are fallout of in performing computations. Several studies attribute unsafe acts. These acts can largely be attributed to accidents to loss of situational awareness. Human error. Human Factors Analysis and Classification With highly practiced tasks, our dependence on System (HFACS) defines four levels of failure attention and working memory diminishes (a) Unsafe acts considerably,performance becomes largely automatic, and (b) Preconditions to unsafe acts we can perform these practiced tasks with minimum attention and effort. However, emergencies almost always (c) Unsafe supervision require interweaving highly practiced tasks with less familiar (d) Organisational influences tasks, novel situational aspects, and uncertainty. Thus, in Unsafe acts consist of errors and violations. Errors an emergency, overall demands on attention and working represent the mental or physical activities of individuals memory are very high at a time when these limited cognitive that fail to achieve their intended outcome. Violations, on resources may be disrupted by anxiety; consequently, the other hand, refer to the willful disregard for the rules impacting decision-making, team performance and and regulations that govern the safety of flight. communication.[2][6] Errors of skill, Errors of decision and Errors of Every individual is equipped differently to handle these perception which are a subset of unsafe acts threaten trying circumstances. Some of the inadequacies are flight safety as they contribute to cockpit stress.This overcome by training, knowledge, experience and apart, the pre-conditions of unsafe acts contribute indoctrination. However, to make the flying environment significantly to the accident rate. These include safer it is pertinent that we exploit modern technology to substandard condition of operators and substandard find means where real time anxiety and stress of the aircrew practices of operator. The sub standards condition of can be evaluated in the cockpit. operators like adverse mental state, adverse physiological Psychological Effect of Stress state and physical/mental limitation are of significant relevance. Psychophysiological effect is the Physiological response of individuals to the Psychological stimulus that Cognitive and Physiological factors are both required
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Combined USHST and ESPN-R Emphasise Helicopter Safety Technology In 2014, the European Safety Promotion Network terrain, obstacle database information along with data-link Rotorcraft (ESPN-R) and the Netherlands Research Center weather display and traffic relative to the aircraft. SVS (NLR) conducted a sweeping analysis of helicopter safety should not be confused with Enhanced Vision Systems technologies and produced a report titled “The Potential (EVS), also a potential safety-enhancing technology but of Technologies to Mitigate Helicopter Accident Factors”. generally installed for increased low visibility mission This study analyzed 145 different safety technologies and capability. (ESPN-R, EASA Safety Roadmap and HSE-91) created a matrix of these technologies integrated with Note: Integrated as a system, SVS, HTAWS and AFCS Standard Problem Statements (SPS), Technology Readiness with intuitive pilot interface can greatly reduce the potential Levels (TRL) and relative cost of implementation. The top of fatal accidents in the LOC-I, LALT, UIMC and CFIT 15 technologies were labeled as “highly promising” based categories. Group I technologies, combined with on their respective numerical scores on that matrix. technologies from groups II and III along with vigorous The United States Helicopter Safety Team and crew training programs have the potential to reduce all International Helicopter Safety Foundation have produced helicopter risk factors. a set of Helicopter Safety Enhancements (HSEs) resulting Group II: Emerging or Advancing Technology in a separate list of technologies. And finally, EASA’s 2018 Rotorcraft Safety Roadmap expands on the ESPN-R/NLR Cost-Effective IFR Certification for new production report, adding emphasis and reason to the mathematics of and existing lower cost helicopters capitalizing on multiple the study. technologies, improved vehicle and power plant reliability and helicopter-specific IFR infrastructure. Such vehicles The purpose of this paper is to extract and group the could reduce fatalities in the UIMC and LOC-I categories, common technology elements and concepts in these various reduce the exposure to hazardous “scud running” studies. This list is focused on accident prevention operations and assist in the needed IFR-helicopter pilot measures and intentionally filters crash survivability culture shift via affordable Supplemental Type Certificates measures. Crash survivability remains a concern, but one for existing smaller, more affordable helicopters. to be addressed separately. ADS-B “Out” and “In” for onboard weather and Group I: Available and Mature Flight Deck collision avoidance and recommendation that all Technology helicopters be equipped standard with fixed transponder- Automatic Flight Control Systems (AFCS) with based, 24-digit address 1090ES ADS-B “out”. attitude recovery mode for regaining or maintaining control Note: Recommend ICAO-EASA level ADS-B “In” in reduced visibility conditions or UIMC situations, standards development to accelerate use of the mature and enhancing situational awareness and reducing pilot emerging capabilities of this technology in all helicopters. workload. AFCS can potentially meet the IFR certification Support of “e-Conspicuity” Initiative intended to equip stability requirements and achieve part of the requirement other aircraft - including unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), needed for an airframe IFR STC. (ESPN-R, EASA Safety gliders and potentially anything penetrating navigable Roadmap and HSE-70) airspace) with 1090 MHz ADS-B transmitter/receivers. Data-derived terrain and obstacle detection systems These devices are increasingly small, lightweight, low-cost use predicted horizontal and vertical flight path to alert and hold promise for proliferation and will alert helicopter pilots of potential impact with terrain, water and obstacles. pilots to their presence. Helicopter Terrain Alerting and Warning System (HTAWS) Air Data Sensing Systems capable of determining has become the generic nomenclature for these systems, precise wind information regardless of an aircraft’s situation. however Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System When integrated into a display or audio alert, the systems (EGPWS) serves a similar function. can provide Vortex Ring State envelope warning/protection A critically important feature of these systems for and also enhance the accuracy of take-off and landing helicopter operations is manual and automatic vehicle performance calculations. operation mode selections to aid in the elimination of Active Terrain, Obstacle and Traffic Detection using nuisance alerts. (ESPN-R, EASA Safety Roadmap and HSE- sensors to actively and reliably monitor a protected area 91) Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS) are generally around the vehicle detecting wires, birds, UAS, cranes and incorporated into the pilot’s primary flight display (PFD) other non-database obstacles. and feature large format attitude indicator with overlaid
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Lightweight Health and Usage Monitoring System take advantage of mobile device technology and be installed (HUMS) warning systems - Due to cost, weight and with minimal expense in all helicopters through FAA complexity, HUMS installations have been limited to NORSEE and EASA CS-STAN process. Note: The ability transport helicopters and as an expensive option on Part to proliferate helicopters with HFDM systems integrated 27 aircraft. However, anticipated technological advances into FOQA systems is a greater priority than in wireless technology and the miniaturization of sensors crashworthiness of the systems (ESPN-R, EASA Safety may enable development of low-cost HUMS capable of Roadmap and HSE-82) Flight Operations Quality predicting imminent System/Component Failure – Assurance (FOQA) software systems for analyzing and Powerplant (SCF-PP) and System/Component Failure – aggregating HFDM data used to proactively address Non-Powerplant (SCF-NP) events in all classes of “outside of envelope” flight and encourage voluntary helicopters. Refining the capability and human interface of compliance with best practices. (ESPN-R, EASA Safety such systems could lead to integration of HUMS information Roadmap and HSE-82) into pilot displays allowing for in-flight systems and Optionally Piloted Aircraft (OPA) and Unmanned component monitoring. Aircraft Systems (UAS) used for high risk surveillance, Group III: Technology for improved inspection and data collection operations such as power operational control, risk management and line patrol and structural inspections. (HSE-90) airman preparedness Note: “Cost-Effective IFR Certification” in the list App-based “Smart” Flight Risk Assessment Tool describes a synthesis of technologies and is added due to (FRAT) integrated with flight operations and realtime the recent certification progress in the United States (Bell meteorological data can enhance mission risk analysis with and Leonardo) and the safety advantages of IFR operations minimal subjective pilot input. When connected to that are inferred by all organizations; EASA, FAA, ESPN-R operational control personnel, such a system can enhance and IHFS. For example, here is an excerpt from Section III.10 the risk assessment, awareness and risk mitigation of EASA’s 2018 Rotorcraft Safety Roadmap: processes. (ESPN-R, EASA Safety Roadmap and EASA “Losses of control due to inadvertent entry into IMC: GA Safety Roadmap) Create a more proportionate training path for pilots to gain Flight Simulation Training Devices - Helicopter instrument flying qualifications. With better access to IFR (FSTD-H) developing, deploying and actively using high flying, GA pilots would be able to perform flights with more fidelity Full Flight Simulators (FFS), Flight Training Devices confidence in safely completing them. Before the publication (FTD) and Flight and Navigation Procedures Trainer (FNPT) of the Opinion on ’Easier access for general aviation pilots to reduce exposure to training accidents and improve airman to instrument flight rules flying’ (RMT.0677), or as a follow- preparedness. (ESPN-R, EASA Safety Roadmap and HSE- up task, EASA should evaluate and extend the scope of its 81) application to rotorcraft. This task is currently limited to pilots that fly typical single- and multi-engine piston GA Flight Briefing/Preparation/Debriefing app/software aeroplanes in non-commercial operations.” applications designed to improve pilot and dispatcher preflight awareness of current and developing flight A joint FAA and EASA IFR STC for existing Class I (2 conditions, airspace advisories, hazards along the intended seat trainer) and Class II (Bell 206 size) helicopters will help route and real-time advisories. facilitate the needed cultural shift and ongoing IFR advocacy work being carried out in the helicopter industry. Helicopter Flight Data Monitoring Systems (HFDM) This could potentially be further supported by EASA’s including standards for low-cost devices capable of Basic Instrument Rating (BIR) initiative if extended to recording audio, video, multi-axis acceleration, aircraft helicopters (currently a fixed-wing initiative) position, altitude, speed, pitch and roll. Such devices could
IHSF Technology Working Group The above mentioned paper was prepared by the IHSF Technology Working Group The overarching consensus is that technology-based solutions have great potential to positively impact flight operations on an international scale. Hence, the IHSF Regulatory Group in which RWSI is a membeer has been asked to submit its views to the working group. If any of the RWSI Member is keen to share his views on the aspects covered in the above mentioned paper, he is most welcome to forward his views directly to the Editor ([email protected]). Thanking you, Editor Rotor India Publications.
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Helicopter Accidents in Key Global Regions
After gathering accident information from countries around the world, the International Helicopter Safety The IHSF was formed in 2005 to lead a Foundation (www.IHSF.aero) is seeing reductions in government and industry cooperative effort to accidents and progress for the industry’s objective of safer promote helicopter safety and work to reduce civil helicopter operations. Preliminary 2019 data from 39 accidents and fatalities. It engages in five countries show a year over-year decrease in fatal and total accidents. In addition, the long-term trend remains positive. worldwide safety initiatives: For the 39 countries during calendar year 2019, total • Gather and disseminate worldwide accidents decreased five percent from 249 to 236 compared accident information. to 2018, non-fatal accidents rose slightly from 192 to 194, • Distribute safety “tools” to the worldwide and fatal accidents were cut 26 percent from 57 to 42. helicopter industry and facilitate the The long-term trend also is positive. Comparing the exchange of safety materials and methods most recent five-year period of 2015-2019 to the prior five years of 2013-2017, non-fatal accidents are down 12 between global regions. percent and fatal accidents decreased by 10 percent. • Engage with the global helicopter community via social media vehicles such Avg. Non-Fatal Avg. Non-Fatal as Facebook and Twitter. 2013-17 Period 2015-19 Period • Advocate for the helicopter industry to pursue seven key safety practices. N. Amer-USA 106 98 1. A structured program for initial and recurrent Europe (EASA)* 63 48 Training N. Amer-Canada 27 25 2. The implementation of Safety Management N. Amer-Mexico 6 6 Systems (SMS) Brazil 14 11 3. The implementation of Flight Data Monitoring New Zealand 13 12 (FDM) programs Japan 3 3 4. Structured programs to fully comply with India 1 1 manufacturers’ recommended Maintenance 39 Countries 233 204 practices 5. The implementation of manual or automated Avg. Non-Fatal Avg. Non-Fatal Health & Usage Monitoring Systems 2013-17 Period 2015-19 Period (HUMS) 6. Installation of Wire Strike prevention systems N. Amer-USA 21 20 7. Usage of Night Vision systems when Europe (EASA)* 15 12 warranted N. Amer-Canada 3 3 • Produce a global survey measuring the N. Amer-Mexico 2 2 implementation of safety practices. Brazil 5 5 More information about the IHSF, its reports, New Zealand 3 2 safety tools, Reel Safety audio/video presentations Japan 1 1 and YouTube safety videos can be obtained at its India 1 1 web site at www.IHSF.aero and on the IHSF 39 Countries 51 46 Facebook page
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MESSAGE TO THE INDIAN VTOL COMMUNITY Helicopter Association International (HAI) is looking for contributors from around the world to share their knowledge of vertical lift aviation with the global vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) community. WHO. Writers, photographers, and other contributors with knowledge of and access to their local VTOL community: Areas of interest include all aircraft that take off and land vertically, including helicopters, drones, and advanced air mobility aircraft (note: we do not cover topics exclusive to fixed-wing aviation) Because HAI will rely on contributors for professional coverage, HAI will ask for samples of already-published work on aviation topics, Proficiency in English helps; however HAI will publish some material in other languages. WHAT. Content, including feature-length and short articles, photos, and social media posts: Subjects include industry events, HAI member and industry newsmaker profiles, and regional topics in the VTOL industry, including safety, training, operations, maintenance, aircraft, technology, research, manufacturing and services, and regulations Content will appear in HAI media channels, including ROTOR (quarterly magazine), ROTOR Daily (e- newsletter), ROTOR Now (app), social media, and rotor.org and associated websites Contributors are encouraged to pitch stories about regional aviation events and news., HOW. Contributors will conduct their work as freelance contractors to HAI:, Contributors will not be HAI employees and will accrue no salary or benefits, Contributors will be paid a standard rate only for work that is published Contributors will work remotely from their home locations; no travel or expenses will be authorized., TO APPLY. Submit the following to [email protected]:, A letter that summarizes your qualifications and areas of interest Links to two pieces you have published on VTOL aviation topics., I hope all is well, and I thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Christopher A. Martino, Senior Director of Operations and International Affairs Helicopter Association International | Keep the Rotors Turning
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Italian order highlights continuing success of ACH160
Marignane, 15 July 2020 - Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) has won a new order for its latest ACH160 helicopter, announced just days after the H160 achieved certification.This new order, placed by an experienced Italian operator for use on private and corporate flights mainly inside Italy, means the ACH160 has been ordered by customers in eight countries across North America, Latin America, Europe, China and South-East Asia. The client, an existing ACH twin-engined helicopter operator, has specified a customised interior configured for six passengers.The ACH160 is the premium version of the new H160 helicopter which was certified by EASA on 1 July ready for deliveries to private and business customers commencing later this year. It is the latest member of the ACH family and the most technologically advanced helicopter in its class. As well as its range of stylish interiors including bespoke solutions, the ACH160 offers a smooth and quiet ride allied to the Helionix advanced digital avionics system ensuring carefree handling and the highest level of safety. The full ACH helicopter range consists of the ACH125, ACH130, ACH135, ACH145, ACH160 and ACH175 variants of Airbus Helicopters’ comprehensive and market-leading family of light and medium models. A range of premium- design aircraft completions, including bespoke designs, is THC purchases 10 Airbus H125 helicopters Riyadh, 20, August 2020 - The Helicopter Company (THC), which is fully owned by the Public Investment Fund with The Helicopter Company and we welcome them as a (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, today announced that it has signed new Airbus Helicopters customer,” said Ben Bridge, a purchase agreement with Airbus Helicopters to purchase Executive Vice President of Global Business at Airbus 10 H125 helicopters. The deal comes as part of THC’s Helicopters. commitment to further expand its fleet and introduce new PIF established THC as part of its strategy to activate new services that fulfill market demand and support the sectors in Saudi Arabia that support the realization of Vi- development of the Kingdom’s wider aviation sector. sion 2030 and generate long-term commercial returns. The Considered a multi-task aircraft, the Airbus H125 can Kingdom’s first local commercial helicopter operator, THC carry up to six passengers and be easily reconfigured to has been offering private flights since mid-2019 and is now suit varying requirements. THC will utilize the new additions expanding its services with the addition of the H125 to its to its fleet to roll out new services related to scenic tourism fleet. and aerial work such as filming, banner towing, and surveying. Commenting on the purchase agreement, Capt. Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC said: “By signing this agreement, THC has taken a massive step in expanding its fleet and implementing its ambitious operational plan. We are proud to be contributing to the advancement of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and aviation industries through our innovative air transport services that guarantee passengers a one-of-a- kind experience to relish the beauty of the Kingdom from above”. “This order marks the beginning of a new partnership
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85 Years of Bell: Machines that Strengthen Teams
From our durable Huey aircraft that served and saved warfighters in the Vietnam War to our tiltrotor technology, we have an undeniable military legacy. During Bell’s peak production period during the Vietnam War, our teams were producing 150 Bell Hueys per month in addition to 50 other helicopters. With its reputation as a durable, reliable platform, the Bell Huey earned the respect of the troops. The Huey and Cobra platforms grew into the powerful duo of the Bell UH-1Y Venom and the Bell AH-1Z Viper. This fleet continues serves the United States Marine Corps and other global military organizations with their 85 percent commonality and seamless ability to work in tandem. The pursuit for tiltrotor technology began with the Bell XV-3a in 1955. Fast-forward a few years and a lot of testing and development, and Bell had demonstrated the real potential of tiltrotor flight with the first flight of the XV-15 in 1977. Now, the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey continues to distinguish itself in an expanding number of roles for the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and more recently the U.S. Navy. With over 400 aircraft in the fleet accumulating over 500,000 flight hours, the world’s strongest tiltrotor is an unstoppable asset for any military fleet it joins. Always ready to build the next generation of military aircraft, our teams are pursuing the future of vertical lift by adapting our current technology to meet the needs of the U.S. Army. Bell has been down-selected for both U.S. Army aviation programs, the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) and Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) programs. As part of the first selection, Bell is designing, manufacturing, and testing the Bell 360 Invictus, a prototype rotorcraft designed to provide improved lethality, survivability, and extended reach for Army Aviation. This selection follows almost a full year of design and risk-reduction work by the Bell team as part of the initial contract phase. As for FLRAA, Bell is selected to be the project agreement holder for the competitive demonstration and risk reduction (CD&RR) effort. For more than a two and a half years, the Bell V-280 Valor has been undergoing flight testing, surpassing 280 knots, performing maneuverability exercises for government visitors and making more huge strides to prove its capabilities. Our connection to military service runs deep. Building efficient, durable aircraft for servicemen and women has always driven us to create new patents, test new technology and build amazing machines that strengthen these brave, honorable teams for more than 85 years.
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Boeing Delivers SOCOM’s First Next-Gen Chinook Helicopter
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 1, 2020 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] is delivering new technologies and performance improvements to U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) with the Block II Chinook helicopter. Boeing’s Philadelphia team recently delivered the first MH-47G Block II Chinook to SOCOM on time. “This delivery marks a major step for the Chinook program,” said Andy Builta, vice president and H-47 program manager. “The new Chinook will give U.S. Special Operations Forces significantly more capability for extremely challenging missions and will enable them to conduct those missions on the future battlefield.” The company is on contract for 23 more MH-47G Block II Chinooks, having signed a contract with SOCOM in July. Boeing has more than 4,600 employees in Pennsylvania supporting Chinook, the V-22 Osprey, MH-139A Grey Wolf and a number of services and engineering efforts. Including suppliers and vendors, Boeing’s activities support an estimated 16,000 jobs in Pennsylvania. Bell Boeing Delivers First V-22 Osprey to Japan Japan becomes first international operator with V-22 capabilities
CAMP KISARAZU, Japan, July 14, 2020— Bell Boeing delivered the first V-22 Osprey to Camp Kisarazu in Japan on July 10. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) is the first operator of the V-22 outside of the U.S. military. “The delivery of the first Japanese V-22 is an important milestone and represents our strong partnership with the Government of Japan,” said Shane Openshaw, Boeing vice president of Tiltrotor Programs and Bell Boeing deputy program director. “The Osprey’s ability to carry out the toughest missions in the most challenging operating environments will reshape what is possible for the Japan Ground Self Defense Force.” The V-22 can conduct multiple missions not possible Joint Program Office (PMA-275). “This arrival marks a key with traditional rotorcraft or fixed-wing aircraft, improving step in standing up its V-22 fleet, and more importantly, the mission efficiency and reducing logistic costs. Japan’s V- continued collaboration between our nations.” 22 has a unique configuration with a customer-specific Japan joins the United States Marines, Navy, and Air communication system. The marinized design resists Force in operating the V-22. These aircraft support multiple corrosion and reduces the cost of long-term maintenance. missions, including the transportation of personnel, JGSDF service members have been training with U.S. supplies, and equipment; humanitarian support and search Marines for the last month to gain aircraft proficiency before and rescue missions; long-range personnel recovery. With delivery of their first V-22.“We have had the pleasure of more than 500,000 flight hours, the V-22 is one of the most working with the JGSDF state-side to produce, develop, in-demand platforms in military aviation, providing safe, train and maintain their initial fleet of aircraft,” said Marine survivable, combat-proven mission success only capable Corps Col. Matthew Kelly, program manager for the V-22 with the tiltrotor range, speed and versatility of the Osprey.
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Boeing Delivers 2,500th AH-64 Apache Helicopter
MESA, Ariz., June 30, 2020—Boeing [NYSE: BA] identification along with a shorter engagement timeline. The recently delivered its 2,500th AH-64 Apache helicopter, an helicopter’s improved drive system includes a split-torque E-model Apache for the U.S. Army, from the company’s face gear transmission, a 701D engine and composite main production line in Mesa, Arizona.The first production AH- rotor blades that ensure the Apache succeeds as a highly 64, an A-model Apache, rolled off the assembly line on stable aerial weapons-delivery platform. September 30, 1983, and was delivered by Boeing heritage Selected by, or in service today with the U.S. Army and company McDonnell Douglas to the U.S. Army in January the defense forces of 16 nations, Apache helicopters are 1984. Today, Boeing is producing and delivering AH-64E slated to fulfill the requirements of aviators and battlefield helicopters to a growing list of customers around the world. commanders for decades to come. Planned modernization “The Apache has built an impressive legacy of success, has ensured that Apaches have evolved with revolutionary and is well-positioned to bring relevant technologies and technologies. Today’s helicopters feature capabilities for capabilities that defense forces require today and in the resiliency in multi-mission operational environments. future,” said Kathleen Jolivette, vice president of Attack “As a former Army aviator with military service dating Helicopter programs and senior Mesa site executive. back to October 1978 and later selected to fly the first AH- “Company teammates and suppliers worldwide are focused 64A and later the AH-64D model Apaches, it’s a thrill today on assembling, delivering and supporting U.S. and global to be a part of the crews who complete flight testing on customers working to deter aggression and defend freedom. aircraft during development and prior to delivery to Apache is ready to have a key role in the future of multi- customers,” said Dave Guthrie, Boeing’s chief pilot for domain operations.” Apache programs. “I know that I’m part of this helicopter’s Today’s E-model Apache features integrated history and its future.” technologies including communications and navigation Legacy Apache deliveries, including new-build and capabilities to enhance situational awareness and remanufactured helicopters, include 937 A-models through coordination; a new, faster multi-core mission processor 1997, more than 1,000 AH-64Ds between 1997 and 2013, and for advanced systems integration; and maritime capability more than 500 E-models since 2011. in the Fire Control Radar for watercraft detection and
Continuing in service today with the U.S. Army and multiple international defense The AH-64A Apache was first delivered to the U.S. Army in 1984 and the forces, the AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter was initially delivered to the Army helicopter fired the first shots of Operation Desert Storm in 1991, was called into in April 1997 and was in 2003 deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. service for Homeland Defense following the September 11, 2001 tragedies, and Production and deliveries of the D-model helicopter was concluded in 2013, later deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. however Boeing continues to provide training and support to customers around (Boeing photo) the world. (Boeing photo)
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HAL’s Indigenous LUH Completes High Altitude Trials in the Himalayas
The HAL’s indigenously developed Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) demonstrated high altitude capability in the Himalayas recently for about 10 days. A comprehensive test plan was executed at Leh (3300 MAMSL) in temperatures up to ISA+320C which included envelope expansion, performance and flying qualities, according to a media released by the HAL here. The LUH took off from Leh and demonstrated its hot and high hover performance at Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) at 5000 MAMSL. The helicopter also demonstrated its payload capability in Siachen glacier high altitude. During the trials, pilots landed the helicopter at the highest helipads of Amar and Sonam. HAL has once again proved its indigenous capability in design & development. The Army version of LUH is now ready for Initial Operational Clearance, says R. Madhavan, CMD, HAL. According to Arup Chatterjee, Director (Engineering and R&D), HAL, the performance of R Dubey, Sq Ldr Joshi (from Indian Air Force) and Lt Col R the helicopter and its systems are satisfactory fulfilling the Grewal & Lt Col Pawan (from Indian Army). Representatives requirements of the users. All planned tests were from certification authority witnessed the trials. successfully demonstrated. The Initial Operational Clearance for basic LUH was The flights were carried out by a composite trial team accorded by CEMILAC for IAF variant on February 7, 2020, which included pilots from HAL, Wg Cdr (Retd) Unni Pillai, during DefExpo 2020 at Lucknow in the presence of Defence CTP (RW), Wg Cdr (Retd) Anil Bhambani, Gp Capt (Retd) Minister and the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Pupinder Singh and Gp Capt V Panwar along with Gp Capt
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HAL Helicopters in Rescue Operations at Mauritius Reef Bengaluru: August 18, 2020: HAL’s indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv and Chetak helicopters are being pressed into service to rescue people and extricate skimmed oil from the Japanese owned cargo ship MV Wakashio. The ship was on its way from China to Brazil but ran aground on the reef at Pointe d’Esny, Mauritius recently. “Time and again the indigenous Dhruv helicopter has proven its capabilities. Our helicopters were extensively utilized for search and rescue operations in the past as well”, says Mr. R Madhavan, CMD, HAL. Thanks to the Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guards and Mauritius police, HAL helicopters flew non-stop dawn to dusk till all the spill. The HAL made helicopters have flown till now the survivors on board were safely rescued. A total of 210 110 hrs and rescued 600 persons from and to MV Wakasio. cargo operations and 270 winch operations were undertaken The spill is close to two environmentally protected by HAL choppers towards salvage and rescue missions so marine ecosystems and the Blue Bay Marine Park reserve. far. The Chetak helicopters were used primarily for winching Nearby are a number of popular tourist beaches and survivors. The ALHs flew continuous missions to get the mangrove plantations. Mauritius had declared a state of international salvage team on-board the ship to contain environmental emergency. A 2 HAL Light Combat Helicopters Deployed for Operations in Leh Bengaluru, August 12, 2020: In light of the prevailing is a potent weapon platform because of its state-of-the-art situation on the border, HAL produced two Light Combat systems and highly accurate weapons that are capable of Helicopters (LCH) have been deployed for operations at hitting any type of target by day or night. The other high altitude (Leh sector) at short notice to support IAF features of LCH include its ability to operate in the complete missions. “It is the lightest attack helicopter in the world ‘Area of Responsibility’ (AOR) and altitudes. It has designed and developed by HAL to meet the specific and capability to carry adequate weapon load at high altitudes unique requirements of Indian Armed Forces reflecting the under varied conditions. All these characteristics make it crucial role of HAL in Atma Nirbhar Bharat”, says Mr R most suitable for hot and high altitude operations. Madhavan, CMD, HAL. The IAF and the Indian Army together need around The Vice Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Harjit Singh 160 LCHs. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had Arora took part in one such operation along with HAL test approved the proposal for initial batch of 15 LCHs. The pilot, Wg Cdr (Retd), Subash P John recently by taking-off IAF issued Request for Proposal (RFP) for 15 Limited Series from high altitude location to a forward area for a simulated Production (LSP) helicopter (10 for IAF and 5 for Army) attack on a high altitude target. This was followed by a and HAL had submitted its response. Technical evaluation landing at one of the most treacherous helipads in the region. and the price negotiations have been concluded and the The LCH successfully demonstrated its quick deployment order is expected shortly. However, as a proactive measure prowess to forward locations in extreme temperatures. LCH HAL has launched production of LSPs in anticipation of orders at its Bengaluru facility.
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Trinity of OSS Air Management
Restructuring of Resource Planning is now the existing trend across the business and marketable sector, mainly to embark upon growth by weeding out the age-old practices adverse to the organization. Ring out old, bring in new, the development lies possible now to revamp its engineering process including enterprising strategy to tide over the crisis prevailing upon mainly reasons of the abysmal condition of General Aviation Industry. OSS has now strengthened the wings in the stream of Maintenance, Engineering and Quality Assurance, with the induction of hard-core professionals having longstanding expertise and experience in their assigned fields. These specialists are behind to carry through the mantle of OSS Air maintenance unit to greater and higher strides. As is well known, OSS Air comprises of World-class Mr. Jagdish Prasad Modi, Mr. Girish Chandra Shukla Mr. Dinesh Kumar infrastructure to maintain various league of helicopters by its highly qualified and trained team of 75 Technical Dinesh Kumar. Now the Line Maintenance Manager Professionals constituting to be one of the largest has had been associated with OSS Air ever since the professional maintenance potentials across the Civil inception. He says “ Our mandate of safety consciousness Helicopter Sector in India, with new-fangled trio combination of OSS Air catered for our customers remain highly of line OSS Air now moves ahead. maintenance standard and oriented upon quality assurance. By the advent of incumbency assigned to the Trinity The track record of extending accident free record is our of OSS, certainly, the new stream of flow in the various USP”. Our company's reputable legacy of credentials, facets of Engineering, Maintenance and Quality Assurance committed services and ethical practices followed through of the company get channelizes and mobilizes with bars era for past 15 years. ever since the inception. raised higher with valued services offered to our clients J.P. Modi. Vice President Quality & CAMO having and associates. 48 years of aviation experience holds honours degree in G. C. Shukla, Chief Engineer, OSS Air, an Aeronautical Mechanical, Marine and Aeronautical Engineering. First Engineering Graduate obtained his AME License in served in Naval aviation as commander and then obtained Jan,1990. Upgraded himself by acquiring continuous AME license in cat B1.1 and B1.3 on fixed wing aircraft knowledge, experience & Licenses in Categories B1.1, B1.2 Airbus A320, Hawker 850 X, ATR aircraft and L410 aircraft. & B1.3, endorsements on 6 type Fixed-wing aircraft ranging Thereafter obtained licence on Leonardo AW139 helicopter from Piper Cub, a Small Fabric covered Piston engine training and Bell 407. He adds “ Our credentials for offering airplane to Airliner Airbus A320 & also endorsed on 9 Types uncompromising safety, quality and value engineering in Helicopters endorsement starting from Chetak to latest the upkeep of Helicopters complying to the regulatory Leonardo’s AW139. He also possesses EASA Part 66 AME norms and directives prescribed by DGCA. Regular training, License issued by CAA, through illustrious experience of checks and technical upgradation are imparted to our more than 3 decades in the Aviation Sector exclusively in maintenance team to keep abreast with the trend of changing the Safety and Maintenance of Helicopters deservingly scaled the authoritative position of Chief Engineer with OSS Air. “ I feel much privileged and honoured to lead and govern a dedicated and committed team of nearly hundreds of Ground skilled mechanics , Technocrats and trained Technicians, to carry out the annual and preventive maintenance of Helicopters with assured aspects of safety and indemnity of airworthiness commiserating for possibly Zero Grounding of Helicopters” .
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New 5 seat helicopter will turn private flying on its head
British engineer Jason Hill has been flying helicopters for nearly 20 years, and has more recently been developing a five-seat three-blade turbine helicopter that will not be “just another new helicopter”. Instead, he is aiming to disrupt the helicopter industry at least as much as Elon Musk has disrupted the car industry with his Tesla vehicles. The HX50 helicopter will be produced in the UK by his eponymous company Hill Helicopters. development of new products & technology by injecting new technology into stagnant industries. Hill has now Announced today, this five seat single-turbine has its focused his team of field-proven specialists on exploiting first flight scheduled for 2022, with deliveries from 2023. the opportunity afforded by the significant lack of This retractable gear aircraft will bring a significant step- innovation in the light helicopter industry. Combining this up in style to the market and a cabin size that will seat 5 level of expertise with cutting edge engineering design, people in as much style, comfort and refinement as a high analysis and development approaches dramatically reduces end automobile. the product development and testing period. The standard package is a much higher specification The airframe will be fully composite, meeting the latest too. The standard package will include leather interior, foam- international crashworthiness requirements and featuring filled bladder fuel tank, key-less entry, removable duals, an integrated high-authority shrouded tail rotor. The main covers, Bose Bluetooth headsets, start/stop button linked rotor is of three-bladed, high-inertia and hingeless design, to the dual FADEC, 2-axis autopilot, blade fold, hydraulic with composite blades employing modern evolving profile controls, air conditioning, USB ports, flight data recorder, planform and three-dimensional tips delivering very high rotor brake, belly hard points, adjustable pedals, 4-point performance and reduced noise. The entire main rotor head harnesses, and retractable undercarriage. While that is contained within a low-drag aerodynamic fairing that doesn’t leave much, there will be further options including optimises the aircraft for efficient high-speed cruise. The a 4-axis autopilot, and a “Heli-Move Kit” whereby the HX50 will use a 500 shp turbine with ample power to deliver wheels are powered so you can use an app on your phone the high cruise speed of 140 knots. to control the helicopter on its own wheels into the hangar. The company has an excellent working relationship Gross weight will be 3630lb (1650kg), Empty weight with the UK CAA and is actively working on the aircraft 1870lb (850kg) and thus payload of 1760lb (800kg). Cruise approvals both domestically and internationally, to minimise speed will be high at 140 knots and maximum endurance of the time-to-market. The aircraft is being developed to fully 5 hours, plenty enough until the pilot needs a comfort comply with the latest EASA CS-27 in the UK and Europe, break. FAR-27 in the US and AWM527 in Canada. Hill started his career at Leonardo Helicopters in the Operating costs will also be very advantageous and GKN Westland days and later went on to complete his will be announced in a few weeks and will benefit Ph.D. in helicopter aerodynamics on their behalf. He later substantially from Hill-backed by-the-hour maintenance formed Dynamiq Engineering – specialising in rapid programs in addition to manufacturer backed insurance.
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Ground Training handled by RWSI Team gets Excellent Feedback
Since the time, DGCA had its Operations Circular NO 3 01-30 Sep 20- Total of 62 candidates of 2020 on Distance Learning Training Programme dated 10 RWSI steps up its Ground Training Efforts in September Apr 20 the training faculty members of RWSI have held 2020. A total of 62 candidates went through Safety related many internal meetings to iron out many issues including Training Courses at RWSI in September 2020. (a) identifying a suitable platform and the requisite IT a) CRM - 6 Pilots at Noida by Wg Cdr VP Mathur and 1 infrastructure for delivery of on line training, (b) improving Pilot at Mumbai by Gp Capt RN Joshi b) SGT - 1 Pilot at its Power Point Presentations to enhance its audio visual Noida by Wg Cdr VP Mathur and 2 Pilots at Mumbai by Gp content and (c) training sessions for its instructors and Capt RN Joshi c) Aviation Internal Auditor Training - 4 preview of the outcomes of its online classes to improve its candidates at Noida by Gp Capt MK Labroo d) CAR-M quality. All this effort paid good dividend when it received Training - 4 candidates at Noida by Gp Capt MK Labroo e) approval from DGCA on 22 Jun 20 to commence its Distance SMS (1 Day) Training - 27 candidates by AVM K Sridharan, Learning Training Programme. Wg Cdr VP Mathur and Gp Capt MK Labroo f) SEP - 12 RWSI steps up its Ground Training Efforts during the candidates at Noida by Gp Capt MK Labroo g) Human quarter ending 30 Sep 20. The details of training carried out Factor Training - 5 candidates by Gp Capt MK Labroo by RWSI are outlined below:- For enhancing professionalism and safety awareness 01 to 31 July 20-Total of 86 candidates of pilots, RWSI also launched following new courses RWSI steps up its Ground Training Efforts in July 2020. ;(a)Avoidance of Helicopter Wire Strike on 23-07-2020, (b) A total of 86 candidates went through Safety related Training Helicopter Mountain Operations on 19 August 2020,(c)Air Courses at RWSI in July 2020. a) CRM - 1 Pilot at Noida by Space Management in controlled and uncontrolled Air Wg Cdr VP Mathur, 11 Pilots at Mumbai by Gp Capt RN Space on 28 August 2020. We are glad to report that almost Joshi and 5 Pilots at Bangalore by Air Cmde MM Ali b) SGT all the participants of CRM & SGT classes held by Wg Cdr - 21 Pilots at Noida by Wg Cdr VP Mathur, 35 Pilots at V Mathur CGI RWSI gave “Excellent” grading. Similarly, Mumbai by Gp Capt RN Joshi and 3 Pilots at Bangalore by classes held on CAR M and CAR145 by Gp Capt MK Labroo Air Cmde MM Ali c) Aircraft Accident Investigation got “ Outstanding” grading. Inaugural session on Training - 7 candidates at Noida by Gp Capt MK Labroo d) “Avoidance of Helicopter wire strike” and “Hill Flying “ by CAR-M - 2 candidates at Noida by Gp Capt MK Labroo e) Wg Cdr BS Singh Deo got “Outstanding” grading from SMS-1 day - 1 candidate at Noida by Wg Cdr VP Mathur most of the participants. Inaugural session on “Air Space 01-31 Aug 20- Total of 30 candidates Management in controlled and uncontrolled Air Space” got “Excellent” grading from most of the participants. RWSI steps up its Ground Training Efforts in August 2020. A total of 30 candidates went through Safety related Owing to the demand for ground training courses for Training Courses at RWSI in August 2020. a) CRM - 3 Pilots HILL OPERATIONS, RWSI decided to commence ground at Noida by Wg Cdr VP Mathur and 2 Pilots at Mumbai by training course (on-line) on the subject. The first course Gp Capt RN Joshi b) SGT - 4 Pilots at Noida by Wg Cdr VP was held on 29 July 20. These courses are not mandated by Mathur and 1 Pilot at Mumbai by Gp Capt RN Joshi c) Hill DGCA but are being conducted by RWSI to enhance Flying - 4 candidates at Noida by Wg Cdr BS Singh Deo d) professionalism and operational safety. Quality Audit - 2 candidates at Noida by Gp Capt MK Labroo RWSI is pleased to share with its members that RWSI e) CAR-M - 9 candidates at Noida by Gp Capt MK Labroo instructors have received Excellent Feedback for their f) CAR-145 - 3 candidates at Noida by Gp Capt MK Labroo training courses from the participants of the Industry. About g) SEP - 1 candidate at Noida by Gp Capt MK Labroo h) 95% of the participants have graded the RWSI Instructors SMS (5 days) - 1 candidate at Mumbai by Gp Capt RN Joshi as EXCELLENT and 5% as GOOD. 2.Besides the CRM Training-Recurrent and SGT, Spl The participants came from different locations in India VFR Training &Test for Heli. Pilots, Monsoon weather ops including Yanam, Porbandar, Rajahmundry, Suvali, training mandated by DGCA, RWSI has been carrying out Kakinada, Hyderabad, Pune, New Delhi, Noida, Uttarakhand, courses including (a)Safety Management Training ,(b) SMS Chattisgarh, Mumbai, Madhya Pradesh and J&K. Recurrent Training, (c)Human Factor Training ,( c )Accident No doubt, the Distance Learning program has not only Prevention, (d) Accident Investigation,(e) CAR M and (f) saved hours spent in travel in participating in ground CAR145. training program at the location of the Ground Training
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Organization (GTO) but also the money spent in travel and professionals .As the instruction are delivered via electronic stay. Time is required to get the distance learning modules means using voice and video based electronic devices, like effective and maximize learning objectives as the trainees personal computers, laptops, tablets, iPad, smart phones, are also getting conversant with the process. etc. the trainees are taking time to comply with the applicable Since RWSI is a NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATION regulations. Time is required for the process to settle down. established with the objective of achieving Safety of Civil Wire strikes by helicopters happen often, and too Helicopter Ops through Education and run by highly frequently result in fatalities. In view of the availability of qualified and very experienced professionals, we appeal to highly qualified domain experts amongst our members, we the Helicopter operators to consider availing the services have decided to conduct ground training courses (online) of RWSI for conducting training courses for their as to how to avoid helicopter wire strike accidents. Great Opportunity to Up grade Your Professional Knowledge Avoidance of wire strike accidents to helicopters (online) Wire strikes by helicopters happen often, and too frequently result in fatalities. RWSI has therefore decided to conduct ground training courses(online) as to how to avoid helicopter wire strikes which would include aspects on protection and warning systems with a view to bring up awareness on how this issue are to be handled. The ground training will also highlight the data related to wire strike accidents to Civil Helicopters in India. Look out for the dates on which the ground training for avoidance of wire strike accidents to helicopters (on-line). It will be held by highly qualified and experienced helicopter pilots. Hill Operations (online) Out of the total number of 18Fatal Accidents to Civil Helicopters in India during 2007-19, 5 fatal accidents have taken place owing to Loss of Control (LOC)-5(28%). Many of them have taken place either during take-off /landing from helipads in the hills. Owing to the demand for ground training courses for hill operations, RWSI decided to conduct ground training course (on-line) on the subject to guide pilots on safe flying in hills. The Course will cover , (a) Altitude & Temperature Effects, (b) Terrain, (c) Aerodynamic Factors, (d) Meteorology Mountain Waves, Rotor Clouds, Turbulence, Downdrafts, Rain comes from above and Whit-out, (e) Aeromedical issues and (f) Human Factors. Look out for the dates on which the ground training on hill operations, (on-line) .It will be held by highly qualified and experienced helicopter pilots. Controlled Flights in Controlled Airspace & Airspace Management (online). For ensuring safety awareness amongst pilots involved in General Aviation, RWSI has decided to launch, “Controlled Flights in Controlled Airspace & Airspace Management (online)”. During the period when flights are operated under IMC in Controlled Zones are outside its airspace, there is a critical need for pilots involved in General Aviation to be conversant with the following aspects :- (a) What are ATS & its Objectives, (b)Types of Airspace including FUA (Flexible Use of Airspace, (c)ADIZ & ADC, (d)Concept of VMC. Conduct of VFR/IFR flights,(e) ATS Classification of Airspace, (f) Special VFR flights = role of ATC & Pilots, (g)AOM – Normal/Restricted for IFR flights, (h) RCF for IFR flights, (i) Basics of IAP (Instrument Approach Procedures) and (j) AIP. The Course will be conducted by Shri.S.R.Mani Iyer , Ex DY GM HAL Airport.He has been in Aviation industry for over 45 years, 33 years in Air Traffic Control and over 12 years of training Airline Pilots in Air Regulations and Air Space Management.
The Participants who are keen to attend the above mentioned courses are requested to submit their names by E-mail to RWSI : [email protected] or contact The Rotary Wing Society of India # 609, 6th Floor, I-Thum Tower-A , A-40, Sector-62, NOIDA-201309 Phone : 0120-4252346, 4252347, Mob: 9818168113 E-mail : [email protected]
38 ROTOR INDIA - QE 30 SEPTEMBER - 2020 As on 30 Sept 2020 total number of Aviation Professionals trained by RWSI is 6114 RWSI STARTS ON-LINE GROUND TRAINING (Recurrent Training approved by DGCA) Ÿ HELICOPTER Ÿ CRM TRG-RECURRENT (ON-LINE) OPERATORS Ÿ SGT FOR HELI. PILOTS (ON-LINE) (NSOP) Ÿ MONSOON TRAINING (ON-LINE) AVIATION Ÿ PRIVATE Ÿ HILL OPERATION TRAINING HELICOPTERS (ON-LINE) PROFESSIONALS Ÿ PARA MILITARY Ÿ AVOIDANCE OF WIRE STRIKE RWSI Ÿ GOVT/PSUs ACCIDENTS TO HELICOPTERS Ÿ SPL VFR TRAINING & TEST (02 DAYS) Ÿ AIR SPACE MANAGEMENT (ON-LINE) Ÿ SMS TRAING (01 DAY-INITIAL, 02 DAY-REGULAR AND 05 DAYS FOR POST HOLDERS)* Ÿ AAI*; AAP*; SEP*; HF*; CAR-M*/ CAR-145*; QUALITY/SAFETY AUDIT* *COURSES APPLICABLE BOTH TO H/C & FIXED WING A.C. SAFETY EDUCATION Highly Qualified & Experienced Training Faculty
Wg Cdr B S Singh Deo VM was a Production Test Pilot and Capt Sanjay Mittal is an experienced ex IAF helicopter pilot and an Qualified Flying Instructor- Category A1, he has flown over 8,000 A2 QFI with vast instructional and operational experience on both hours in Onshore and Offshore in 14 types of Helicopters and 5 rotary and fixed wing aircraft. Employed as Chief Pilot of a helicopter types of aeroplanes. He was an Indian Air Force and DGCA Company ,he has over 12,000hrs of accident and incident free flying examiner. Holds Indian Commercial Pilots License and FAA PPL He on helicopters and fixed wing. Capt Mittal is a DGCA approved TRE on was MD of Bell Helicopter for India and South Asia for 21 years and retired in AW 139 and Bell 412 helicopters.DGCA has also cleared him as facilitator for CRM May 2018. classes conducted by Rotary Wing Society of India. Wg Cdr V.P. MATHUR, was commissioned as a Fighter Pilot in the I Air Cmde M. M. Ali VM is a helicopter pilot and A2 QFI. He has over 8000 accident free hrs both on fixed and rotary wing. He was an Air A F in 1968. He is a Q F I with 41yrs of teaching experience. He is Force Examiner on helicopters. While on HATSOFF employment the also a TEST PILOT with testing Experience both on Fixed Wing and Air Officer was cleared by DGCA to conduct CRM classes which he Rotary Wing Aircraft. He has an A T P L {H} from FAA Washington continues to do now with RWSI DC. He has 14000 hours of flying experience spread over three Cdr Surinder Dhir is Indian Navy veteran. A Post Graduate in continents. He has served the DGCA as a Chief Flight Operations Inspector Aeronautical Engineering with over 35years of extensive experience {H}.He has served the prestigious H.A.L. & allied Testing setups for over 10 yrs. across Repair, Maintenance, Overhaul and Training in both Defense Over the last Eight years he has been serving the RWSI as the Head of Training and Civil Aviation. Possess comprehensive technical knowledge and Faculty. understanding of regulatory framework. Since Nov 2018, he has Gp Capt MK Labroo, an Aeronautical Engineer, Fellow of Institute supported RWSI in all its activities. of Engineers and a Chartered Engr (Aero Space). Former Air Force Shri.S R Iyer has been in Aviation industry for over 45 years, 33 Chief Engr is an Avn Management & Q.A specialist and functioned as years in Air Traffic Control and over 12 years of training Airline Pilots CEO, GM (Engineering), Accountable Manager, COFS and Head of in Air Regulations and Air Space Management. Also handled Airside Engg respectively, of various Civil Helicopter Operating Companies. operations, Ground handling, Cargo handling, SMS audit of An active Engg Expert Member of AAIB has also been a Safety Audit aerodrome etc. He has had a long association with RWSI as a Faculty Member of DGCA& RWSI. Dealt with Maintenance of Chetak/Cheetah, Mi-172, in Special VFR training programme. He has covered ATM for Enstrom-480B, AW-109, AS350B3.Lead Trainer of SMS, SEP, DGR, AAI, AAP, HF Controlled VFR flights in various Classes of Airspace and role of ATC in different Classes of Airspace. Participants who attended his classes rate him as excellent in Courses, CAR-M, CAR145 and Quality Audit Training in RWSI handling Air Space Management Classes. Gp Capt Raghvinder Nath Joshi VM is an experienced Capt Rajat Kaura is an experienced helicopter pilot with over helicopter pilot and was an A2 QFI, Air Force Examiner and served 3 decades of flying in 5 countries spanning 3 continents. He flew the in the VIP Squadron of IAF. He commanded a helicopter unit and Attack helicopters while serving in the Indian Air Force for over 15 was the Chief Flying Instructor in Helicopter Training School before years. As a commercial pilot, he flew for over 6 years in India and a bit retiring from the IAF. He flew MI-8s and Chetak helicopters in the more in Australia. He flew as a HEMS pilot in Australia and was IAF and flew Bell 412, MD 902 and MD 520 Helicopters in the awarded Gold Wings for flying more than 400 missions. He is corporate sector. He is passionate about safety in helicopter operations and is experienced on NVGs and his professional licences include CPL(H) and ATPL(H) RWSI trainer of safety related subjects. from India and Australia. He has taught ground subjects for over 6 years in India and Australia.
Please contact: The Rotary Wing Society of India #609, 6th Floor, I-Thum Tower-A, A-40, Sector-62, NOIDA - 201301 Phone : 0120-4252346, 4252347 Mob: 9818168113 E-mail : offi[email protected], Website : www.rwsi.org
Final AD RWSI 18.pdf 1 12/5/19 10:32 AM
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