More strict helipad norms for VVIPs

After repeated near mishaps involving the Chief Minister's helicopters, the state has come up with a comprehensive helipad policy.

The policy lays down strict guidelines for helipads, their location and other gradients to be followed. A senior official from the state’s aviation department said the district administration has been told to locate and finalise sites for helipads in all 358 tehsils across the state, so that they can be developed in future.

The aviation department of the state has issued a detailed ‘helipad’ policy that will be followed strictly.

A stringent feature of the new policy provides for clear demarcated landing and take-off sites that are preferably close to city boundaries and away from densely populated areas.

Henceforth, the helicopter pilot will not start the rotor blades or air-conditioning before the VVIP boards the aircraft, said an official. He said, “Also, landing helicopters near densely populated areas will not be allowed. No more entertaining directions from VVIPs to keep rotor blades on before he or she boards the aircraft.” As per the policy, only one piece of luggage, of not more than 7 kg, will be allowed on board the aircraft.

He said helipads near the venues of functions or public rallies will not be allowed. Helipad will be outside the city and VVIPs will have to travel a few kilometres to reach the venue from the helipad, for which they should not have any objection.

As per the new policy, the district administration will select and notify a clear, obstruction-free total area of 542 metres, with a 52x52 metres square main helipad area and 245 metres obstruction-free approach and take-off area - from the edge of the helipad in both directions. The area should also be firm enough to withstand the helicopter’s weight of 5,700 kg. Preference will be given to areas designated for helipads in industrial parks of Maharashtra Industries Development Corporation (MIDC), district police parade grounds and open playgrounds. The site selected should be level piece of well-drained firm ground, with either good grass or a solid surface free of loose stones and debris.