Transport chopper pilots to undergo proficiency check: Govt

Licence holders seeking to become pilot-in-command of transport helicopters will now have to undergo proficiency checks which will be valid for six months.
The new norms would also be applicable for co-pilots of transport helicopters as well as that of transport aeroplanes.
In this regard, the Civil Aviation Ministry has made amendments to the Aircraft Rules, 1937. This comes at a time when there are efforts to boost overall aviation safety in the country.
"In order to act as a pilot-in-command or co-pilot on transport helicopters, the licence holder shall be required to undergo an appropriate proficiency check as specified by the Director General, in respect of the type of helicopter to be flown," a recent ministry notification said.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) would specify the relevant proficiency check and it would be valid for six months.
Similarly, proficiency check would be required for licence holders looking to be a "co-pilot of transport aeroplanes having an all-up weight exceeding five thousand seven hundred kilograms".
At a time, the validity of the proficiency check can be renewed for six months providing the fresh check is done two months before expiry.
"In the case of renewal, the period of validity shall commence from the date of expiry of the previous validity provided that the check has been carried out within two months preceding the date of expiry," the notification said.