The central government is discussing a proposal to reduce the number of pilots required to fly a single-engine helicopter from two to one, people familiar with the matter said, a move officials hope will be a boost to the sector Indian helicopters in difficulty. bring it into line with international standards and significantly reduce operating costs.

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At least two officials familiar with the development confirmed that the discussions were based on suggestions from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

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“The Ministry of Trade and Industry has asked the Ministry of Aviation to study ways to help the helicopter industry grow,” said one of the officials cited above.

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Experts pointed out that India, unlike developed countries, lacks qualified helicopter pilots, especially for emergency medical services. Halving the number of pilots will help operators reduce costs.

Others also said the country’s helicopter industry was crippled by a lack of regulatory proactivity.

Captain RK Bali, Director General of the Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA), said: “The growth of the helicopter sector in India has never reached its potential, largely due to the absence of a proactive regulatory. With an appropriate regulatory framework, this sector could significantly accelerate and meet its untapped demand.

He also said the two-pilot rule is rooted in a “myth” that single-engine helicopters are unsafe.

“Single-engine helicopters are as safe, if not safer, than twin-engine helicopters. Supporting single-engine operations requires judicious and balanced regulatory approvals, as well as a strong commitment from operators to robust safety management systems to grow and strengthen this vital segment.

India has a fleet of only 250 civilian helicopters, 35% of which are single-engine.

A single-engine helicopter costs around 3 million euros.

“The Ministry of Civil Aviation is giving a boost to regenerate the sector with new policy measures and incentives. A specific policy is also underway, with the government targeting regions where helicopter operations will be of paramount importance,” said the second official cited above.

The government has been working to boost the sector for some time now.

One of the first major policy decisions in the sector was taken in October 2021, when former civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced that under a new policy, parking and parking charges Landing, road navigation facilities and terminal navigation, among others for helicopters, would be removed. with.

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus Helicopters earlier this year formalized a contract to establish the final assembly line (FAL) of H125 single-engine helicopters in India, a major step towards strengthening manufacturing capabilities and growth of the Indian civil aviation market. .

FAL will be the first private sector to set up a helicopter assembly plant in India.