Nod follows appeal from operators

Aviation safety regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has allowed use of single engine aircraft for commercial flights, provided the route includes a landing site within gliding range, in case of engine failure.

The move follows demand from operators to allow use of single engine aircraft in the government’s regional connectivity scheme.

The relaxation of norms is for both aeroplanes and helicopters for scheduled commuter air transport operations or commercial flights, according to the circular issued by the DGCA on September 27.

The DGCA requires a mandatory safety risk assessment for single engine operations.Where this is not feasible, the operator should ensure there is no water body, hostile environment or congested area en route.

While single engines use less fuel and have low maintenance cost, the disadvantage over commonly used twin-engine aircraft for commercial operations is that there is no backup engine to rely on, in case of engine failure.