Overview
- Operations were authorised effective September 15–16 following DGCA inspections and audits conducted from September 13–16.
- Pilots and operators were briefed via an Operations Circular covering high‑altitude risks, with mandates for route checks, recurrent training, and deployment only of previously qualified pilots.
- Enhanced oversight includes stricter maintenance schedules, enforcement of weight and balance limits, required modern navigation and communication aids, and real‑time weather updates.
- DGCA will station flight operations and airworthiness teams at critical helipads and conduct surprise checks to ensure compliance during the season.
- The restart follows suspensions after the June 15 Bell 407 crash near Gaurikund that killed seven, with high‑powered committee recommendations informing measures such as AAI ATC presence, IMD meteorologists, and UCADA‑manned control rooms.