Overview
- The aviation regulator issued the binding order Friday for non-scheduled flights carrying the Lok Sabha Speaker, Union cabinet ministers, chief ministers, governors and Z+ SPG protectees.
- It gives pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers final authority on safety, and any last-minute itinerary changes must go through operator management to prevent direct VIP pressure on crews.
- The rules raise operating standards by requiring twin-engine aircraft with two crew, mandatory weather radar and fully serviceable instruments, and pilot minima of 3,000 total hours for fixed-wing commanders and 2,000 for helicopter pilots in command.
- For remote airstrips and temporary helipads, operators must obtain written landing permission at least 24 hours in advance with confirmed coordinates plus fire, rescue and security, and election flights now require a pre-flight risk assessment and a named compliance lead.
- The order replaces 2014 and 2021 advisories and introduces graded penalties up to licence suspension and permit cancellation, following the January 28 Baramati crash where investigators cited an approach below legal visibility limits.