Overview
- Regulators told operators on October 31 that every Char Dham charter must carry two pilots and obtain positive destination and en-route clearances from the Sahastradhara control room before each sector.
- The directive also requires pilots to file a Pilot Report (PIREP) after every landing so UCADA can monitor sector-by-sector operations and keep records.
- Operators submitted a collective representation dated October 31 saying the twin-pilot requirement will sharply raise crew, accommodation and logistical costs and that continuing under the rule is commercially unviable.
- Operators have formally warned they will suspend all Char Dham charter flights from November 2 unless DGCA and UCADA agree an alternative, negotiated framework to spread or reduce the added costs.
- DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are probing the October 30 crash that killed six people and regulators say the new measures are an immediate safety response while longer-term rules may follow.