DGCA tweaks operations norms for turbo-propelled aircrafts

NEW DELHI: The aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviaiton has tweaked the rule for extended diversion time operations (EDTO) of turbo-propeller planes operated by scheduled airlines in the country. As per the new rules, the threshold operation time for such planes has been kept at 60 minutes and operations beyond that would be considered EDTO. Jet Airways and Air India use turbo-propeller aircrafts such as ATR-42 and 72s while SpiceJet uses the turbo propeller plane Bombardier Q400.

As per the new guidelines for operating such planes, airlines would need prior approval from the DGCA for operating such aircrafts beyond a flight time of 60 minutes. The approval category for EDTO has been kept at three levels - 75/90 minutes, between 75/90 minutes to 120 minutes and between 120 minutes to 180 minutes. The regulation changes would mean that airlines would need to get the approvals in place from the DGCA for the routes where flight time exceeds 60 minutes on their turbo-propeller operated destinations.

Approvals for the first level or 75/90 minutes of extended diversion time operations will be based on factors like proposed areas of operation, the operator’s ability to successfully bring aircrafts into operation and the quality of the maintenance programme. Operators must also submit details of enroute airports for flights beyond 60 minutes on the turbo-propeller aircraft.