Volume-12, Release-1Sept -Oct 2018

AVM K Sridharan VM (G)Gp Capt MK LabrooGp Capt RN Joshi VM

Shyby JayakumarGraphics

Dear Readers,We are indeed thankful to our members and the stakeholders of the Industry for

their support in the successful conduct of the 8th HELI POWER INDIA 2018 International Seminar on “Future of Verti Lift in Combat in India”, the 16th AGM of RWSI and Salute to Excellence on 06 Sep 18 and ”International Helicopter Safety Symposium” on 07 Sep 18 at the AF Auditorium Subroto Park New Delhi -110010. We also wish to extend our heart-felt thanks to the distinguished delegates from India and abroad, many of whom gave excellent PP and interesting observations. The events received raving tributes from the participants from India and abroad. We have partly covered the events in the form of a Special Report. The balance will be published in the next issue of Rotor India Qtly. Following are the highlights of the events: -

Future of Verti Lift in Combat in India. With the proposed induction of the next generation Attack helicopters such as Apache AH-64, Indigenously manufactured Light Combat Helicopter, weaponized version of Dhruv -Rudra, Medium Heavy helicopters such as Chinooks & Mi-17V, Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) like Kamov-226T and Sea borne helicopters with mission-oriented platforms, Indian Armed forces will have some of the finest tools of war, it has ever had. The participants were unanimous that these verti-lift platforms which are being inducted hold huge combat potential, Mobility and Firepower and will set the tempo of war for it provides the capacity to move and support military force without the limitation of terrain.

Safety Symposium on Heil-Ops (offshore).The event was well attended by the representatives of International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP), International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST), Helicopter Association International (HAI), Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), Safety Experts from OEMs ,representatives from MOCA, AAI, DGCA, ONGC and other E&P Agencies (including RIL, British Gas and Transocean Pvt Ltd) as well as Heli Service Providers such as Pawan Hans Ltd, Heligo Charters Pvt Ltd, Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd and other stakeholders. The participants were unanimous about the need for upgrading of airspace west of Juhu Airport to include encompassing all oil fields, from uncontrolled to controlled airspace in enhancing safe environment for helicopters operating on all days of the year. It will also resolve the issue of medi-vac at night under VFR rules.

International Helicopter Safety Symposium. The event was jointly hosted by the IHST and RWSI. The focus was on New Safety Initiatives in the international helicopter community. The importance of training, technology, appropriate decision making, and risk assessment were discussed. The need to make a cultural change within the industry to achieve prioritization of safety was agreed up on unanimously. There was an excellent presentation on International Safety Initiatives update by Matt Zuccaro – Chairman IHST & President / CEO Helicopter Association International (HAI). It was followed by a PP on FAA Flight Standards (Helicopters) by Wayne Fry Manager for Assurance, Federal Aviation Administration. There were PP on Safety Initiatives in Air Ambulance Operations & IHST’s 2018 global safety strategy. There were also PP on Helicopter Safety Performance Initiatives by regional players including Bhutan, Maldives (by EASA Project Director) and Nepal. OEM Representatives from (Bell Helicopter, Leonardo, Airbus Helicopter and HAL made their points on ‘How can we get helicopter operators to follow the IHST recommendations?’ In all, the event was informative and purposeful.

On behalf of Governing Council, let me thank one and all for the successful conduct of the events on 6-7 Sep 18. Most importantly, all our members profusely thank the Sponsors for their support without which it would not have been possible to conduct such events.

Yours sincerely

Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) K. Sridharan VM (Gallantry) Editor-in-Chief

Productive Month

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<CIVIL HELICOPTERS>

FLIGHT DUTY TIME LIMITATION (HELICOPTER),

NEEDS A REVIEW1. On 19 Sep 18, there was a meeting of the stakeholders at DGCA

to review the CAR Sec 7 Series J Part II which was issued on 14.02.2000 on Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) for helicopter aircrew. At the meeting held at DGCA on 19 Sep 18, the stake holders were informed that the draft discussed will be final. Since the proposed changes to the draft CAR on FDTL especially the decision to enhance the Flight Time for pilots from 800hrs. per year to 1000hrs (25% increase). It has necessitated RWSI to seek a review of the decision. Many experienced pilots believe that such sudden enhancement (by 25%) of Flight Duty Time is likely to contribute to crew fatigue especially when flights are undertaken in hostile environment and would prove to be detrimental to safety.

Flight Time 2. The Flight time limitation as stipulated is 7 hrs. in consecutive

24 hrs., 90 in consecutive 28 days and 800 hrs. in consecutive one year. The limits are now proposed to be enhanced to 100 hrs. in 28 consecutive days and 1000 hrs. in 365 consecutive days. It is worth noting that CAR Sec7 Series J Part III on FDTL for Fixed wing stipulates various maximum limit hours in a day based on number of landings. While flight hours are limited to 125 hrs. in month and 1000 hrs. in 365 consecutive days.Apparently, the recommendation to enhance the Flight Time for helicopter aircrew was made based on fixed wing aircrew FDTL.

3. Unlike fixed wing aircrew, helicopter aircrew operate in high noise level and are continuously exposed to vibration during flight. Both conditions enhance stress and add to aircrew fatigue. Further, operational areas both onshore and offshore operations are in uncontrolled airspace under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) where the pilots do not get the benefit from Flight Information Services on weather and other air traffic. These conditions only add to work load in the cockpit. Whereas the fixed wing aircrews operate in pressurized cabin environment, with negligible vibration & low noise level. The stress & fatigue levels are much less.

4. Limitations on flight time are provided to ensure that aircrews involved are not mentally or physically fatigued and to provide adequate time for rest & recuperation of mind and body. The fatigue levels in helicopters are greatly higher than fixed wing aircraft as they operate in high temperature and humidity conditions. Further, the duration of each flight may vary from five minutes or less to one hour. Each flight entails take-off and landing both critical phases of flight and short en-route sector. These require highest standard of concentration adding to mental fatigue.

5. Let us now examine as to how aircrew may possibly achieve flight time of 1000 hrs. in one year. As per FDTL every aircrew is to be given minimum rest of one day in a 7-day cycle, therefore in 28 days he may be called for duty for maximum for 24 days. Simply put he should log at least 77 hrs. in 28-day cycle and 3.2 hrs. every day that he is on duty. This is without any kind

of leave of absence right through the year. However, if we work on the principle of 6 weeks on and 3 weeks off, then average daily flight time works out to be 4.6 hrs. each day of duty not accounting for missed flights due to weather & other contingencies during duty time of 10 hrs. The pilots engaged in offshore operations especially engaged in production flights are liable to exceed the Flight Time Limit of 800hrs. in a year.

6. Presently ONGC alone employs 9 helicopters daily for production tasks at 4 locations in Mumbai High. In addition, other E & P operators employ 8 to 9 helicopters for handling their production tasks. These operations are very crucial to sustain oil production.

7. During the Production tasks, in the morning and evening sessions, each helicopter aircrew is required to land and take-off from around 12 to 15 unmanned platforms. The flight time in a production task (including turn-around) is approximately 3 to 4 minutes. The crew are required to plan and execute the flights without shutting down the helicopter, adding to workload of the aircrew. Duration of each session may last 2 to 3 hrs. Even if IMC conditions prevail, helicopters continue to operate under VFR flight plan in the uncontrolled airspace.

8. RWSI Recommendations include ;a) Most aircrews involved in helicopter operation are from armed forces in the age bracket of 45 to 65 years old. The rules are applicable to all aircrews irrespective of their age, b) The operating in uncontrolled airspace in IMC add to work load of pilots,c) State regulators in European countries where offshore operations are conducted in controlled airspace (where the pilot’s workload is far less) are now contemplating to increase the Flight Time of helicopter aircrew only marginally. It appears that UK has already increased the Flight Time of helicopter aircrew to 900 hrs. in a year.,d) As against passive monitoring of FDTL of aircrews followed by some of the operators, a foolproof system for monitoring FDTL of aircrews may need to be evolved. and e) Suitable agencies such as Institute of Aviation Medicine IAF may be asked to conduct study on fatigue factors related to helicopter aircrews engaged in arduous tasks such as Production Flights(offshore), Heli-Pilgrimage Missions, under slung operations in hostile environment to help operators in Risk Management of high-risk missions.

9. Unfortunately, no record is available in respect of civil helicopter Accidents and serious incidents caused due to pilot fatigue in the Country. Our accident reports do not have ‘crew fatigue’ narrative. As a first step, the AAIB may consider introducing ‘crew fatigue’ narrative in all helicopter Accidents. In the future, it can help us measure the potential benefits of rule changes. A sudden enhancement of Flight Duty Time Limitation from 800hrs to 1000hrs per year (20% increase) as it is being contemplated by the Regulator may prove to be detrimental to safety.

RWSI has therefore requested DGCA to review the matter before the CAR on the subject is notified.

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<CIVIL HELICOPTERS>

It is learnt that PHL Officers Union has proposed PHL may be merged with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). They said that such a merger would strengthen both the domestic civil and defense aviation sectors, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week. Pawan Hans is a 51:49 joint venture between the central government and state-owned oil explorer ONGC.

After failing to get a good response to its first attempt to handover Pawan Hans to private players in Apr 18, fresh bids were invited after the ONGC board in July decided to combine its 49 per cent stake in the offer and extended the date to September 10 and then subsequently to September19.Opposing the 100 per cent strategic sale of the company, the association said, “PHL should be placed in the listing for IPO as per latest guidelines of DIPAM as being a profit-making CPSE with positive net worth to have more autonomy and accountability as a responsible PSU to meet the strategic requirement through the company.”

Pawan Hans currently has 42 helicopters in its fleet and before the government decided to privatize the company, it had proposed to induct another 100 aircraft along with some fixed-wing planes as part of a five-year business plan. Stating that the central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) are “critical” to the country’s development, the Union listed the objectives for which Pawan Hans was set up.

“Pawan Hans, a Mini Ratna CPSE, was set up with the primary objective of providing essential helicopter support services in strategic areas of importance such as oil and gas sector, medical emergency services, disaster management, security surveillance and operations in hilly and inaccessible areas of north-east, among others.”

“The combination of both the entities (PHL and HAL) will take forward the government agenda of `Make-in-India’ and making flying more affordable through its `UDAAN’ scheme by utilizing the holistic competency of the companies,” said the association.

Merge Pawan Hans (PHL) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

(HAL) : Officers Union

Uttarakhand Govt to Charge for Helicopter Rescue OperationsDehradun: Uttarakhand Civil Aviation

Development Authority on Saturday issued a notification that stated the passengers would be charged for availing helicopters during rescue operations at the time of disasters.

Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority, in its notification, said that the charges for the normal passengers availing helicopters in Pithoragarh during rescue operations at the time of disaster will be fixed Rs. 3,100 (including GST) per person.

The order has been approved by the Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat. The notification also directed that the charges should be implemented with immediate effect. This is the first time any state has issued an order to charge people during rescue operations.

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<MILITARY HELICOPTERS>

The Indian Air Force celebrated its 86th Anniversary on 08 Oct 2018. In the last eight decades, IAF has technologically evolved and grown in strength to thwart any threat to the nation. It is committed to safeguard the Indian skies and has played a key role in providing assistance to the people of the country during any natural calamity. Professionalism displayed by air-warriors during various international exercises reaffirms IAF’s ability to be an effective net security provider. On this day, all men and women of IAF pay rich tribute to the untiring efforts and supreme sacrifice made by veterans, who laid a strong foundation for the service.

To mark the occasion and in keeping up with the tradition, IAF had planned a grand Parade cum Investiture Ceremony at Air Force Station Hindan (Ghaziabad). Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff reviewed the parade. Various dignitaries and veterans participated in the celebrations. The parade was followed by a breath taking display by the Air Warrior Drill Team, wherein the team showcased their small arms handling skills and carried out diverse manoeuvers with their rifles. This will be followed by a scintillating air display by wide range of IAF aircraft including our cherished Vintage flight.

The air display commenced with flag bearing sky divers of famous Akash Ganga Team, who jumped from an An-32 aircraft. Flypast comprised of Mi-17-V5 and Rudra helicopters, Dornier, C-130J and C-17 transport aircraft, Jaguar, Bison, MiG-29, Mirage-2000 and SU-30 MKI fighter aircraft. Dakota, Tiger Moth and Harvard of the IAF Vintage flight also participated in the flypast. Post flypast, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) carried out aerobatic display in front of the audience. The Ambassadors of Indian Air Force, Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team (SKAT), comprising of nine Hawk 132 aircraft and the Helicopter aerobatics team, Sarang enthralled the audience with breath taking formation aerobatics display. After the parade, all visitors also got an opportunity to witness static display of aircraft, weapon, radar and missiles systems of the Indian Air Force.

Air Force Day Parade 2018

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RWSI Training Team Continues its EffortsIn pursuit of the Safety Goals, RWSI has conducted the

following Safety related Training Courses for the Aircrew and Ground Crew of Helicopters and Fixed Wing Aircraft during the period of July to September 2018.a) CRM - A total of 15 Pilots were trained during the period. 9 Pilots at Noida (GVHL Delhi, Trans Bharat Aviation, Spectrum Aero Pvt Ltd, Aerotech Aviation, Bharat Hotels & Maharaja Aviation), 5 Pilots at G+5, New Delhi (MAK Airways Pvt Ltd) 1 Pilot (MP Lok Sabha) at New Delhi by Wg Cdr VP Mathur b) SGT (Module-III ) - A total of 10 Pilots were trained during the period. 2 Pilots at GVHL, Mumbai by Gp Capt R N Joshi, 7 Pilots at Noida (Bharat Hotels Ltd.) including 1 Pilot (MP Lok Sabha) at New Delhi by Wg Cdr VP Mathur. c) DGR - A total of 12 Pilots were trained during the period. 11 Pilots at G+5, New Delhi (Aerotech Aviation, SRC Aviation Pvt Ltd, OSS Air Management, Govt. of Punjab, Bharat Hotels, Saraya Aviation, GVHL Delhi, Govt. of Jharkhand, Maharaja Aviation & MP Lok Sabha and 1 pilot at Noida (Aerotech Aviation) by Gp Capt MK Labroo, Sec Gen.d) SMS - A total of 10 Aviation Professionals were trained on SMS during this period. 7 Pilots at Kolkata (Thriveni Earthmovers Pvt. Ltd.) and 3 Pilots at Noida (Indocopters Pvt Ltd) for 2 days SMS by Gp Capt MK Labroo, Sec Gen.e) Accident Prevention Training - 1 Pilot from IAF for 2 days training at Noida by Gp Capt MK Labroo, Sec Gen.In all, a total of 48 professionals benefitted from various courses conducted by RWSI during the quarter.

RWSI Records Spurt in its Life Membership Strength Since 31 Mar 18, around 15 distinguished professionals have joined RWSI as Life Member to strengthen its efforts to create

suitable ambiance in the Country for growth of Helicopter Industry. The Life Membership of the following distinguished professionals has been approved by the RWSI Screening Committee:-

LM-1221 : Sqn Ldr Tanvi Marwaha, an Electronic & Communications Engineer trained as helicopter pilot in the IAF with over 8 years of experience, currently preparing to get CHPL for commercial flying of Helicopters, LM-1222 : Shri. Yatish C Sud: A Post Graduate Degree holder in Commerce with 30 yrs of experience in Aviation related Tourism & Hotel Industry, LM-1223 : Ms Kalpana Dhar : Retired Sr Manager, Canara Bank and now employed as Manager Admin & Finance, RWSI, LM-1224 : Wg Cdr (Retd) Anupam Kathuria a distinguished flyer of the IAF for over 21 years, currently flying Civil Helicopters in India, LM-1225 : Lt Gen Kanwal Kumar, AVSM, A military helicopter Pilot, currently holding the top most post of Dir Gen, Indian Army Aviation, LM-1226 : Gp Capt Rajiv Kumar Narang: A helicopter pilot with 28 yrs of experience in IAF and holding a PG Dedree in Military Science; currently working as Sr Faculty Member, CAP, LM-1227 : Lt Col SB Rajaram : An Electronics & Communication Engr with 26 yrs experience in Army Aviation Maintenance; currently working as Aviation Advisor, British Gas Exploration & Production Ltd., LM-1228 : Mr.Vipin Kumar Sharma: An AME with an MBA degree is a Member of AeSI. Currently working as Dy Commandant Air Wing,(CAM) BSF, LM-1229 : Cmde.Mahendra VS Negi: A PG in Def. Studies is working as Commodore Air Staff, IHQ MOD (Navy) DNAS, LM-1230 : Gp Capt GG Kumar VM (Retd) Sr Pilot in Heligo Air Charters with over 22 years in key Command and Staff appointment in both civil & military, LM-1231: Air Cmde Nitin Sathe Sr Instructor in DSSC Wellington , having held key Command and Staff appointments in his 34 years of distinguished service in Indian Air Force. Has published a few books on helicopter flying, LM-1232 : Cdr Surinder Dhir (Retd) : A Post Graduate Degree holder in Air Armaments, is an Aerospace and Defense professional with 35 years of experience and comprehensive Aviation technical knowledge. Worked with Jubliant Bhartia Group , a Bell Helicopter Sales Group till Aug 2018. LM-1233 : Air Cmde Tushar G Desai (Retd), An Aeronautical Engineer with a Post Graduate Degree each in Electrict Engg & Management Science very distinguished experience of 33 yrs in IAF. Currently working with Alpha Design Technologies Pvt Ltd., LM-1234 : Lt Col Vineet Joshi (Retd), An Army Helicopter pilot with 24 years of distinguished service, currently undergoing Type Training on Civil Helicopter, LM-1233 : Shri. M. Showkath Ali Baig, Chief Designer HAL having a PG Degree each in Engg and Business Admin with distinguished record in Designing & Testing of LCH & LUH at Helicopter Div HAL, LM-1236 : Mrs S Vasanthi, Chief Desinger RWRDC : An Electronics Design Engr 36 years of experience in Aviinics Design in HAL. Currently working as Chief Designer at HAL, LM-1237 : Mr Kunal Sikka, is the Joint Managing Director of Sika Interplant Systems Ltd with over 10 yrs of experience in Helicopter Search & Rescue Operations. LM-1238 : Gp Capt Nikhil Naidu, A helicopter Pilot with 21 yrs of flying experience in IAF, possesses a PG Degree in Def Studies and is currently flying Civil Helicopters on deputation with a State Govt, LM-12399 : Mr Praveen Chander is a gradiuate in Elect Engg and an MBA, has been working with HAL as Component Design Test Engr since 1980 and currently heads the Team of Design Engrs at HAL, LM-1240 : Mr. Vimal Raj V is a Post Graduate in Aero Space Engg currently working as CEO with Garuda Aerospace Pvt Ltd Chennai for past 6 years .

<RWSI ACTIVITIES>

EVENT CALENDAR: 2019EVENT CALENDAR: 2019

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RWSI NATIONAL SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS

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Sponsorship Benefits

RWSI has planned to hold following events in the Country during 2019: -

18 January 2019: RWSI Safety Seminar: Heli Ops(offshore) at the Club Andheri Mumbai and coverage in Rotor India Qtly (QE 31 Mar19).

20-24 February 2019: Participation in 'Aero India 2019' at an Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru and coverage in Rotor India Qtly (QE 31 Mar19)

04-07 March 2019: Participate in Heli Expo 2019 at Atlanta Georgia USA and coverage in Rotor India Qtly (QE 31 Mar19).

09-11 April 2019: Participate in Rotorcraft Asia Singapore and coverage in Rotor India Qtly (QE 30 Jun19).

21 June 2019: RWSI Safety Seminar: Heli Ops(onshore) at Pune.

19 July 2019: Air Cmde SK Majumdar Memorial Lecture at AF Auditorium Subroto Park New Delhi-10 on “Make in India Helicopters”.

23 August 2019: National Seminar on Routes, Heliports & weather Bottlenecks faced in Heli-ops at Mumbai.

05-06 September 2019: IHST Regional Safety Symposium at New Delhi at Air Force Auditorium, Subroto Park, New Delhi-10.

PublicationROTOR INDIA Quarterly

31 March 2019 30 June 2019 30 September 2019 31 December 2019

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