The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in what it described as an “increasingly disturbing pattern” of helicopter accidents in India, particularly in the Himalayan region and other high-altitude areas.
The FIP’s appeal follows the October 30 helicopter crash in the Joshimath area of Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, which claimed the lives of all six people on board.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, the federation said the latest tragedy was particularly concerning in view of several helicopter accidents reported in Uttarakhand and other parts of the country in recent years. It said the recurrence of accidents, including those involving multiple fatalities, raised serious questions about the adequacy of existing operational procedures, pilot training, weather assessment, terrain clearance, helipad infrastructure, operator oversight and safety management systems.
The FIP said the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) should undertake a comprehensive review of helicopter operations, especially in mountainous regions.
It also referred to the 380th Report of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, submitted in August 2025, which had flagged concerns against the backdrop of a series of accidents during high-risk Char Dham Yatra operations.
Concerns over Kedarnath operations
The federation highlighted the challenges in the Kedarnath sector, where operations take place over mountainous terrain, narrow and steep valleys, and at altitudes ranging from 8,000 to 12,000 feet. It said the area could be classified as a “Hostile Environment” under DGCA norms, with limited or no suitable locations for safe forced landings.
According to the letter, most helipads in the region have unidirectional approach and take-off funnels. The required minimum separation of 150 degrees between landing and take-off funnels is reportedly unavailable and not being followed.
The FIP said this often results in helicopters taking off or landing in tailwind conditions, which it described as dangerous given the limited engine power margin and reduced controllability at high altitudes.
The federation also pointed out that helicopters used for Char Dham operations are single-engine, Performance Class 3 aircraft, capable of operating only under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). They are flown by a single pilot and are not equipped with autopilot or weather radar.
While such equipment is not mandatory for VFR operations, the FIP said the operational limitations of these helicopters must be considered in the context of the challenging terrain and weather conditions.
Safety of single-engine helicopters questioned
The letter noted that a Performance Class 3 helicopter would require a forced landing if its engine failed at any stage of flight. The FIP argued that operating such aircraft in a hostile environment, where suitable forced-landing areas are unavailable during all phases of flight, was unsafe and unsuitable.
It stressed that helicopter operations differ significantly from fixed-wing airline operations. They involve low-level flying, confined and elevated landing sites, demanding take-offs and landings, close proximity to terrain and obstacles, and exposure to rapidly changing environmental conditions.
The risks are further heightened in the Himalayan region, where cloud formations, mountain waves, downdrafts, turbulence, wind shear, restricted visibility and sudden weather changes can create challenging flying conditions.
The FIP said these issues required immediate attention and called for a comprehensive examination of helicopter safety in India, particularly in high-risk mountain operations. The federation’s letter seeks the Prime Minister’s intervention to ensure that the concerns are addressed by the aviation authorities.
