The Print has learned that several protocols of the VVIP chopper will be made after the fatal crash of Mi 17 V5 killing Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and 13 others on board.
The protocol governing helicopter fights involving VVIPs is expected to be amended to reduce the payload, increase the visibility benchmarks in certain terrains, and reduce the payload limits.
These protocols will be updated based on the recommendations made by the tri-service inquiry that investigated last month’s helicopter crash carrying General Bipin Rawat who was on his way to Wellington. According to the Print, certain recommendations have been made in the probe report to reduce the chances of future mishaps.
As per the sources, one of the changes likely to be made is curtailing payloads in the helicopters. In certain terrains, it might be possible to increase the benchmark for VVIP flights based on visual meteorological conditions. Sources said the emphasis will be on avoiding flying or flying as little as possible in doubtful weather, and arranging alternate transportation options.
Another focus will be to ensure that there is tandem flying by another chopper in VVIP travel, in order to provide immediate rescue operations in case of any mishap.
