The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will investigate in the security mid-air scare for President Pranab Mukherjee early this morning.
The pilot of Indian Air Force (IAF) carrying President Mukherjee from Hyderabad to Chennai saw a paraglider at about 4,500 feet. The pilot said the paraglider was 300 feet to his right. The Hyderabad Air Traffic Control (ATC), however, had no such record of any aircraft or a paraglider.
Arun Mishra, the DGCA, confirmed the incident and ordered inquiry. Mishra said, "We are verifying the details. The pilots of B737 spotted the paraglider and informed ATC. However, ATC has no such record. We can comment on seriousness only when we get full details."
However, sources said ATC permission is not required for gliding. ATC and IAF are also now investigating the mystery paraglider seen as a security scare.
Even the flying club which is near Hyderabad had also no flying activity. The ATC also checked with Hakimpet ATC for any balloon flying but that was also negative.
