'2 pilots mandatory': DGCA tightens Char Dham helicopter norms after Uttarakhand crash; operators threaten shutdown

A day after a helicopter crash in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Saturday directed operators conducting Char Dham helicopter charter services to fly with two pilots from November 2 and obtain prior destination and enroute clearances for every flight sector.The directions however, have prompted operators to threaten a suspension of services from Monday, stating financial implications of the new requirements.ALSO READ: Uttarakhand helicopter crash: Mortal remains of all six victims recovered, sent to Rishikesh AIIMSFollowing an urgent meeting with helicopter operators on Saturday, the regulator issued written instructions, seen by HT, and mandated a two-pilot configuration for all Char Dham charter flights, with the co-pilot also required to be hill-qualified.The DGCA has also directed that crews obtain positive destination and enroute clearance from the control room at Sahastradhara before taking off for each sector.