Among other regulatory changes, new holders of a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) can now directly obtain seaplane ratings. | Representative photo: Shutterstock
The Civil Aviation Ministry on Thursday announced simplified regulations for seaplane operations, including allowing non-scheduled entities to operate such services and establishing a streamlined certification process.
The relaxed norms are aimed at encouraging seaplane operations under the regional air connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik).
Generally, seaplanes are amphibious aircraft that can take off and land at sea.
Under relaxed rules from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC), a seaplane licence will not be required and compliance requirements have also been reduced.
Waterdromes are used for landing and takeoff of seaplanes.
The revised regulations have been carefully planned and prepared after extensive consultations, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said.
Speaking at an event in the national capital to announce the revised regulations, Naidu also said seaplane operations can help boost tourism.
Among other regulatory changes, new Commercial Pilot License (CPL) holders can now directly obtain seaplane ratings that will allow them to fly seaplanes.
According to the Ministry, the simplified guidelines will allow seaplane operations by non-scheduled operators (NSOP).
India had seaplane operations in Andaman and Nicobar as well as Gujarat, but they could not be sustained for long.
At the event, Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam said the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) for seaplanes has been simplified and urged state governments to find water bodies for seaplane operations.
Seaplanes will be another element in providing connectivity to people, he said. UDAN has been a “pioneering” plan and more than 100 routes have been operational for more than three years, he added.
Meanwhile, the government plans to set up water aerodromes at 18 locations spread across Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Goa, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.
(Only the headline and image of this report may have been reworked by Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
First published: August 22, 2024 | 17:54 IS
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