DGCA comes up with draft rules to make gliding safer

If the regulator comes up with a standard operating procedure, it will be a welcome move. SANJAY PENDURKAR, trainer, Paragliding School, Kamshet

MUMBAI: The country’s aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), recently released draft regulations to make gliding safer. The norms, which are in the public domain for suggestions and objections from stakeholders, will become Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) once finalised.

Among the several rules, the draft states the nearest air traffic control (ATC) will have to be informed about glider operations so the flight movements are taken into consideration. Institutes offering gliding training and facilities — Glider Training Organisations (GTOS) — must obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC). The DGCA also said it will be the responsibility of the organisation to ensure that during the period of validity of the approval, the capability of the organisation is not degraded in any form. GTOS will have to seek DGCA approval for implementing substantial changes to facilities, equipment or material for a particular training programme.

The DGCA said the regulations were necessitated, as many glider or motor glider owners were looking to set up such institutes for training, education and recreational purposes. Paragliding centres have been set up at Panchgani and Kamshet in Maharashtra, Manali in Himachal Pradesh, Pithoragarh, Nainital and Ranikhet in Uttarakhand, Shillong in Meghalaya, Vagamon in Kerala, Nandi Hills near Bengaluru and Sanasar in Jammu.

The regulator said: ‘The draft civil aviation requirements (CAR) lays down requirements for imparting training in gliders for issue of pilot licence (gliders) and associated approvals.’

The draft regulations mandate airstrips used for glider operations will be adequately protected with proper fencing and adequate vigil to avert runway incursion during operation, among others.

Owners of paragliding schools said the move will help increase safety standards of the sport.

Sanjay Pendurkar, a trainer from Indus Paragliding School operating in Kamshet said, “Currently, we operate as per European standards, obtain an NOC from Pune collector and operate in coordination with Pune air traffic control. The process is lengthy.”

The DGCA officials were unavailable for comment.