The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has swiftly implemented a series of new regulations aimed at tightening oversight and ensuring the safety and security of powered hang gliders. The incident, which occurred on October 7, involved an infiltrator from Hamas, a known terror group, utilizing a motorized hang glider to enter Israel, prompting urgent action from the authorities.
According to the revised regulations put forth by the DGCA, no individual is permitted to operate a powered hang glider without prior authorization from a DGCA-approved examiner or instructor. The qualified examiner or instructor must have a minimum of 50 hours of experience on powered hang gliders, including at least 10 hours on a dual machine. Furthermore, the approved examiner or instructor is responsible for conducting thorough checks and authorizing other individuals for flight.
Under the new guidelines, individuals must meet specific criteria before conducting test flights on a powered hang glider. This includes holding a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with at least 25 hours of flying experience on a powered hang glider. Alternatively, an individual must possess authorization along with 50 hours of flying experience on a powered hang glider, as stipulated in the revised regulations.
In a bid to enhance security measures, the DGCA has mandated that any transaction involving the sale or transfer of a powered hang glider must be accompanied by a certificate issued by the DGCA. This certificate will only be granted following a thorough background check of prospective buyers conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Furthermore, the regulations emphasize that no owner or operator is allowed to lease, rent, or lend a powered hang glider to any individual or entity. The use of any remote sensing equipment, weapons, or photography and video recording devices on a powered hang glider is strictly prohibited without explicit permission from the MHA, unless it is deemed necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft or as specified by the relevant guidelines.
To bolster security measures, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has endorsed the implementation of stringent security protocols at both the parking and operation sites of powered hang gliders. Owners and operators are required to ensure the safe custody, security, and access control of the powered hang gliders at all times.
These new regulations underscore the DGCA’s commitment to strengthening safety and security protocols in the wake of recent security concerns surrounding the use of powered hang gliders.
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