Lok Sabha Polls: MHA Issues Directions to Secure Inactive Airports, Helipads; Take Precautions for Aircraft, Choppers – News18

The ministry of home affairs has told all states and union territories to maintain high vigil at airports and helipads, which are typically inactive, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. It stressed on the necessity for strict compliance with guidelines on the use and condition of aircraft and helicopters; fitness and experience of pilots particularly for the prime minister, ministers and other political leaders.

“Leaders will mostly be using private aircraft/helicopters for their journeys and may be required to land at airstrips/helipads, which are not normally operational or manned. To ensure the safety of the aircraft and security of the protectees, it is necessary that airports/airstrips/helipads are adequately manned and kept in serviceable condition to facilitate these visits,” said an official familiar with the matter.

“There may be occasions when multiple visits of VVIPs/VIPs are scheduled at the same time or place, which may constrain the availability of suitable venues for holding public meetings and/or for preparing helipads. Priority will be given first to the prime minister followed by other ministers and leaders,” the official said.

The official further said the ministry has received complaints about landings and take-offs from political leaders. “In the past, a number of problems in landing/take-off of aircrafts/helicopters of dignitaries and political leaders have been observed, and these issues have been brought to the notice of the ministry. The ministry has reiterated that precautionary measures should be observed in the use of aircrafts/helicopters by dignitaries/political leaders,” the official added.

The ministry has advised the use of twin-engine aircraft/helicopters with good operational capability, reliability, and easy maintainability, along with current certificates of airworthiness and valid flight releases. Additionally, the pilot-in-command should possess a commercial helicopter pilot licence and have a minimum of 500 flying hours. There should be thorough checks by engineers, as well as compliance with maintenance requirements for all aircraft and helicopters.