Civil Aviation

New Delhi, 6th May 2021: Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has issued enabling guidelines to facilitate the vaccination program in a fast and efficient manner to ensure timely vaccination of the aviation community. During the COVID-19 surge, the aviation community has worked tirelessly to ensure unhindered services for the movement of people in need and essential cargo including critical medical cargo like vaccines, medicines, Oxygen Concentrators, etc. Secretary, Civil Aviation sent a letter earlier to all the State Governments with a request to consider the personnel involved in aviation and related services as a priority group under the vaccination program. As per the guidelines, all players in Civil Aviation Sector would be advised to cover their personnel under the ongoing vaccination program. Guidelines further state that the organizations which have already made arrangements with Government/Private service providers for the vaccination to their employees may continue to do so. Further, a dedicated vaccination facility is advised to be established by the Airport Operators in their respective airports to facilitate expeditious vaccination for the personnel involved in aviation or related services (including the contractual, casual, etc.). It is stated that the Airport Operator should immediately contact State Governments/Private Service Providers (Hospitals), who are willing to set up Covid Vaccination Centres at Airports. The guidelines state that required facilities like setting up of vaccination counters, segregated waiting area (pre as well as post-vaccination) are to be established by the Airport Operators. Basic facilities for the personnel visiting (help desk, drinking water, ventilation fans, washrooms, etc.) to be arranged following COVID safety protocols.The cost per vaccination dose can be decided by the Airport Operator with the service provider. These facilities would be available for all aviation sector stakeholders at the same cost.It further states that all agencies working in the airports eco-system need to sponsor their personnel to avail the facilities as operators/service providers would not be dealing with individual cases.Further, online Payment mechanism to the service provider for vaccine doses administered for their respective personnel has been advised to be devised. It is stated that for the smaller airports (where the numbers to get vaccinated are less and private players do not find it viable), the Airport Operators can approach the District/local Administration for extending the vaccination program. The facilities created by Airport Operator would be available for all the Civil Aviation Personnel in first phase and can be extended to the family members subsequently. The guidelines suggest that priority should be made to cover the ATC, crew of airlines (both cockpit and cabin), mission critical and passenger facing staff on priority. All Airport Operators have been advised to designate a nodal officer (an alternative nodal officer may also be kept in readiness) for coordinating the efforts. The guidelines said that Chairman, AAI will hold regular meetings to review the progress and coordinate with the Ministry and DGCA to address issues and challenges.If there is an issue of vaccine availability Ministry would take up at appropriate level for smooth supply. The order further mentions that considering any impending local situation, suggested guidelines may be contextualized and improved but all safety protocols and instructions issued by MoHFW, State Government Concerned or MoCA, related to COVID 19 must be followed. ( Online News recived by PIB. Aviation World has publsihed in unedited)

The webinar highlighted the core competence of an aviation consultant and how their service benefits in terms of decision making, cost-saving ranging up to final execution of the particular project in place. New Delhi, 18th February, 2021 A consultant plays a key role in any sector due to their expertise in the particular domain and ability to give a solution to the small as well as pertinent issues of the organization. If we specifically look into the aviation sector than it would be ideal to mention that consultants act as a bridge to establish connections between all the verticals due to their visionary ideas in a very cost-competitive method of working. Looking into the ongoing industry trend, India based SAVVYGO AEROTECH LLP organized a webinar on “Role of Aviation Consultants in Aviation Leasing Industry” which was participated by a large number of aviation industry professionals. The webinar was moderated by Mr. U.S.Harsha, CEO of SAVVYGO AEROTECH LLP and mentored by Mr. Ashwani Acharya, Business Head, CAE Simulation Training Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Acharya highlighted the core component of becoming the consultant in the aviation sector and mentioned the parameter required to become the same. He said, “a consultant is driven by the quality of the objective. They must be a problem solver, creative thinker, lean and take larger pictures, have sharp analytical skills, take decision making of the organization, narrow down key areas faster using its own resources and have defined domain knowledge.” As the Indian aviation was significantly growing before COVID Lockdown and even now after gradual opening up of the sector, things are tremendously improving. At present more than 650 aircraft are operational in Indian sky and its projected that in the next 5-10 years the number will double up or even get more. This will be challenging for airlines to maintain their assets. So this brings the opportunity for consultant or professionals to share their knowledge and extend their services wherever required. Even in the case of such operators having less than 10 aircraft in their fleet, one can have less number of employees and more number of consultants to manage their assets and fulfill all regulatory works on as and when required basis. The technical consultants can undertake a lot of innovative measure for the organization. That comes at premium quality, cost-effective solutions and value additions in the whole chain, serviceability, bridges gap to the owner at a reasonable cost. Highlighting why airlines look for experts, Mr. Acharya mentioned, “in order to improve certain key functions consultants can bring focus and efficiency ,identify and isolate challenges to resolve, forecast milestones, technologically support, out of box thinking and preventive measures.” He added, “apart from all good work, the challenge of getting work is always there. In terms of delivery which is a gradual process sometime consultant are available at a higher cost due to their name and expertise in the sector.” The webinar was attended by key industry leaders as Marcial Casiano, CEO M3 Aviation Group LLC, Niraj Panchal from Aerofield Services LLC, Manish Sharma, Manager Maintenance, IndiGo Airlines, Surendra Nath, Shift Incharge, Airworks India Engg. Ltd, Abinav, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Flybig Airlines, Shyam Sunder from Deloitte, Ravinder Sharma, Aviation Technical Consultant and others. ABOUT SAVVYGO AEROTECH SAVVYGO AEROTECH is a fastest growing young company with in-hand of rich practical experience in the field of Aircraft maintenance technical services and asset management as well arena born to render rich intricate technical services throughout the globe. A team of young but passionate consultants, as a company they are new but hold 20+ years of industry experience in aircraft consultation. Vision to provide 100% transparent and premium service to their client makes them reliable in the industry. A team backed by huge experience and mentorship, help them evolve day-by-day. They started small and growing at a rapid speed. Among the leading aviation asset management and consulting company, specializing in the purchase, sale, and management of commercial and corporate aircraft. Their association with leading aircraft and engine leasing companies from around the world has simplified the requirement of the clients. SAVVYGO AEROTECH LLP specializes in services like: 1. Technical Services & Asset Management 2. Aircraft Pre buy inspection 3. Aircraft Annual Audit 4. Aircraft Technical Record Digitalization 5. Aircraft Deliveries / Re-deliveries From valuations, fleet selection and portfolio development to redelivery and remarketing at lease end, they accompany clients through every risk assessment and asset management activity during the life of the lease. So, if you are looking for an aircraft consultant, Savvygo Aerotech can help with your requirement by providing top-notch service. (The webinar was organised on 13th Feb, 2021 at 18.30 Hrs IST)

Drones to be Used for Integrated Urban Regeneration & Water Transport System (IURWTS) Project 17 Feb 2021, New Delhi Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have granted conditional exemption for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) usage to Kochi Metro Rail Limited, Kerala for Integrated Urban Regeneration & Water Transport System Project (IURWTS). This conditional exemption is valid till 31st December 2021 from the date of issue of the letter or until the full operationalization of Digital Sky Platform (Phase-1), whichever is earlier. This exemption shall be valid only if all conditions and limitations as stated below are strictly adhered to. In case of violation of any condition, this exemption shall become null and void. Conditions and limitations to Kochi Metro Rail Limited to use Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for Integrated Urban Regeneration & Water Transport System (IURWTS) Project: • This exemption to KMRL from the paragraphs 5.2 (b), 5.3, 6, 7, 8.4,.9.2, 11.1 [d), 11.2 [a], 12.4, 12.5 and15.3 of CAR Sect on 3, Series X, Part I, is subject to exemption from Rule 15A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 by Ministry of Civil Aviation. • The KMRL shall obtain necessary clearances from (a) Local Administration (b) Ministry of Defence (c) Ministry of Home Affairs (d) Air Defence Clearance from Indian Air Force and (e) Airport Authority of India (AAI) [as applicable] prior to operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). • M/s Senselmage Technologies engaged by KMRL (through Techno Vision Survey & Mappings ltd.) shall only operate the RPAS models specified in the approved Standard Operating procedures (SOP)V.1.0.2020. 1 Revision No. dated 11″‘ January, 2021. The operations of the RPAS having valid Drone Acknowledgement Number (DAN) [specified in the SOP] shall be operated as per the above mentioned SOP in the area specified therein. Any change in the approved SOP for e.g. Change in procedures or RPAS or use case or personnel or area specified in the approved SOP shall be included in the SOP and submitted to DGCA for approval. • KMRL shall ensure that only trained I experienced bona fide personnel operates the RPAS as per the approved SOP. Subsequently, the RPAS operator shall ensure that remote flight crew is trained through approved FTOs/ RPTOs. • The RPAS Operator shall ensure that the RPAS is in working condition and maintained as mentioned in the approved SOP and shall be responsible for any eventual ties due to malfunction I disorientation of equipment. • The RPAS operator shall maintain the records of each RPA flight and make such records available to the DGCA on demand. • KMRL shall take necessary permission regarding Aerial Photography from Directorate of Regulations & Information. DGCA or Ministry of Defence (as applicable). The photograph s/video-graphs, taken through RPAS shall be used by KMRL only. KMRL shall be responsible for safety and secu1rity of RPAS and data collected through RPAS. • The RPAS operator shall ensure that the RPAS are made NPNT compliant [certified by QCI] as soon as the digital sky platform is made operational. • KMRL shall ensure that each RPAS operated by M/s Senselmage Technologies for the subject purpose has fire resistant identification plate inscribed legibly with OAN, DAN and Model No. of the RPAS. • The operation of RPAS shall be restricted to day operations (from sunrise to Sunset), within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) in uncontrolled airspace only and at a height of 200fl maximum from AGL. • RPAS shall not be operated in the vicinity of airport as per the provisions of the CAR. If required to operate near the airport, approval from Airports Authority of India (AAI) and/or concerned airport/airfield operator shall be taken in advance regarding time and area of operations of RPAS. • KMRL shall ensure their no items are discharged or dropped during flight of the RPAS. The KMRL shall also ensure that hazardous material or variable payloads are not carried in I using the RPA under any circumstances. • KMRL shall ensure that uninvolved persons are not allowed within the operation area (including ground station) during the RPAS operations and ensure safety conditions specified in the SOP/RPAS flight manual and in this letter are adhered to. • KMRL shall ensure safety, security and privacy of public, property, operator etc. Further, in case of any eventually, DGCA shall not be held responsible. • The operator shall ensure the RPAS is not flown in a manner to cause danger to any person or property. In case of any injury to any person due to physical contact with the equipment, the operator and KMRL shall be responsible for medico-legal issues. The KMRL shall ensure the insurance policy remains valid and of adequate level to cover any damage to third party resulting from accident I incident occurred during the operation of RPAS. • The operator shall not operate the RPAS in no-fly zones specified in Para 13.1 of the CAR Section 3, Series X,Part I without the approval of concerned Ministries/ authorities. • The KMRL and M/s Senselmage Technologies shall indemnify DGCA from any legal cases or any other issues arising due to these operations. • This letter shall not override other restrictions I SOP on Remotely Piloted Aircraft System framed by other Government Agencies or any bye-laws. • In case of incident/accident during at any phase of the operations, the operator shall generate a report with full details to Air Safety Directorate of DGCA within 48 hours of such event. • The Operator shall intimate the schedule of operation (location and date of operation) to DGCA (as and when available) well in advance for conducting safety oversight. In this regard, KMRL shall ensure access to DGCA is provided to perform this function. (News Source: PIB,Delhi)