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JOINT SECRETARY
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

D.O. No.AV-30O2Ol 5461201 5-G A 26tn October. 2021

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Ministry of Civil Aviation has recently released 'Policy for Promotion of Helicopter
Operations' (copy attached), on 08th October 2021 at the 3'd Helicopter Summit in Dehradun.
This policy has been framed to address the challenges being faced by helicopter operators
and, the unlocking of new tourism opportunities for the masses to travel to otherwise
inaccessible sites by a helicopter. The cooperation from States/UTs is of pivotal importance
for the successful implementation of the policy goals and accordingly it is requested that the
policy document may be circulated to all concerned for adoption. As envisaged in the policy,
States may consider to reduce the value-added tax (VAT) on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to
less than, or equal to 1% for helicopters as it has been done for UDAN flights.

2. The Hon'ble Minister of Civil Aviation has also launched 'HeliSewa' porlal
(htto://helisewa.civilaviation.qov.in) during the summit which provides a seamless single-
window digital access between the operator and authorities to communicate information
about helicopter operations. The purpose of 'HeliSewa' portal is to facilitate quicker
processing of operational approvals for landing at helipads thereby improving the ease of
doing business, and empowering the public / helicopter operators to have access to
information. 'HefiSewa'is also designed to create and maintain a directory of helipads in the
country with the requisite data quality and standardization. Helipad parameters in'HeliSewa'
are recorded in sufficient depth and magnitude to meaningfully aid the Govt in disaster
planning and purposefully help the helicopter operators for planning effective air operations.

3. To create a comprehensive state-level directory of helipads, the State /UTs are

required to populate districlwise the requisite data through 'HeliSewa'. This would require
that District Administrators are sensitized for filling up of data regarding helipads within their
districts with the relevant accuracy through the'HeliSewa' portal. To facilitate the process,
a brief handholding session / training-cum-awareness session would be organized by this
Ministry in the near future, where concerned authorities of State & District would be
requested to participate. Wide implementation of 'HeliSewa'will simplify the transaction
process between multiple departments, District Administration and helicopter operators
ensuring streamlined helicopter operations. 'HeliSewa'would come in to effect from 'lSth of
November, 2021. District Administration may be instructed to utilize 'HeliSewa' portal to
dispose of the permission applications of the Operators.

4. Keeping in mind the need for facilitation of helicopter operations and a digital platform
for dissemination of information, I would request you to kindly take up with all the Districts
Authorities the information about Ihe 'HeliSewa' portal and its usage by the District
Authorities.

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Room No. 268, B-Block, Raiiv Gandhi thawan, Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi-110003
Tel No 91-11-24617692 Fax 91-1'l-24654055 E-mail usha.oadhee@ntc In
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5. As a part of the policy the Ministry has also released 'Heli-Disha', a booklet containing
the administrative guidance material for civil helicopter operations. The document simplifies
and deconstructs the regulatory aspects so that the districVlocal administration can
proactively improve upon the ease of facilitation for helicopter operations with control
measures and practices in conformity to Civil Air Regulations (CARs). 'Heli-Disha' acts as a
guidance material without replacing the CARs and explains the requirements of landing
sites, thus providing clarity about uncomplicated permissions and operations of helicopters.
Dissemination and adoption of 'Heli-Disha' by district authorities will enhance the perception
of helicopter operations and lead to a smoother facilitation process. 'Heli-Disha' booklet
would also be made available in 'HeliSewa' portal and presently can be accessed by visiting
the under-mentioned URL
https://www.civilaviation. oov. in/sites/defaulUfiles/GM-C lVlL-H ELICOPTE R-E-Book. pdf

6. To summarize, in order to enhance aerial interconnectivity by helicopters and promote

helicopter services, State Governments/ UTs are requested to -
a) Facilitate the implementation of 'Policy for Promotion of Helicopter Operations' in
your State/UTs including the reduction of VAT to 1% on ATF for helicopters.

b) Actively utilize the 'HeliSewa' portal in considering the application for helipad
landing filed by the helicopter operator for review/consent by the concerned
DistricULocal authorities.

c) Populate the information on helipad data for helipads within your State/UT
through the'He/lSewa' portal.

d) Circulate the administrative guideline material 'Heli-Disha' to all concerned

authorities especially d istrict administration.

I would look forward to your kind support in promoting and enhancing the scope of
helicopter operations in your State/UTs.
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Yours sincerely,

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(Usha Padhee) i of' z1
To,

The Chief Secretaries and Administrators of all States and UTs

 INTRODUCTION

The Civil Aviation industry in India has emerged as one of the fastest
growing industries in the country during the last 3 years. India has become the 3rd
largest domestic aviation market in the world and is expected to overtake UK to
become the 3rd largest air passenger market by 2024. To cater to the rising air
traffic, the Government of India has been working towards development of
infrastructure to facilitate air connectivity across the length and breadth of the
country.

2. As envisaged in National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), 2016 approved by

Union Cabinet, helicopters play a key role in remote area connectivity, intra-city
movement, tourism, law enforcement, disaster relief, search and rescue,
emergency medical evacuation, etc. India currently has less than 300 civilian
helicopters which is very low as compared to other developing nations.
Government of India has been emphasizing promotion of helicopter operations
across the country. However, helicopter sector has not been receiving sufficient
fillip for the growth. Ministry of Civil aviation (MoCA) has been receiving requests
from various States/ UTs for connecting iconic tourist places by helicopters for
providing seamless connectivity and efficient transportation.

3. Considering the utility and need of the hour, MoCA, after consultations with
the stakeholders including States/ UTs, has formulated “Helicopter Operation
Policy” to encourage helicopter operations creating demand and growth. This
Policy has been framed to address the difficulties being faced by the helicopter
operators and to make the helicopter operations viable so that they could provide
seamless and efficient helicopter services across the country. This policy will also
open new opportunities for masses to visit faraway and inaccessible locations/
tourist places.

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 Policy for Promotion of Helicopter Operations

1. Objective:

Helicopter operations in India will open new possibilities for people who wish
to visit faraway and inaccessible areas. It will also provide easier access to
religious places and pilgrimage which are located in inaccessible/ remote
areas and in areas which are relatively untraveled but have the potential to
become tourists’ destinations. In difficult terrains of hilly States, North Eastern
Region (NER) and Islands, air connectivity through helicopters would be the
efficient mode of transportation.

2. Helicopter Operations Policy:

To leverage the potential of the helicopter sector, Policy for Helicopter

Operations has been formulated in consultation with Ministry of Tourism,
State Governments/ UTs, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Private Airport
Operators and various stakeholders. In order to make Helicopter Operations
viable, the policy covers the following areas:

a) Ground Handling Charge:

In accordance with Ground Handling Services Regulations, 2018issued

by AAI, all scheduled operators are allowed to undertake self-handling.

Under this policy, Helicopter Operators under NSOP Category are also
allowed to undertake self-handling services by their employees at their
own discretion on all airports.

b) Parking Deposit:

There will be no parking deposit but a non-refundable and non-

adjustable application fee for night parking will be levied @50,000/- plus
taxes per helicopter at all AAI airports except Juhu airport.

c) Landing Charge:

Landing charges for helicopters will not be applicable for period of two
years at all airports from the date of promulgation of the policy.
d) Service Charge at Airports:

Airport operators may decide as per their policy. However, Helicopter

operator may economise space for extending services to passengers.
Helicopter operators may also explore to extend online services to
passengers.

e) Credit Facility with ATC:

All non-scheduled helicopter operations either can be on cash and carry

basis or Helicopter Operators to deposit in advance projected two
months billing with AAI.

f) Training for Air Traffic Control (ATC) officers:

AAI may train its ATC officials for various requirements regarding
helicopter operations to create conducive environment, thereby
exploiting inherent Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capability of
helicopters optimally at the airports to save precious fuel and time. AAI,
if need arises, may engage Helicopter operators for consultations on
specific training material for the faster rollout of such training.

g) Taxation:

State Governments/Union Territories would be encouraged to reduce

the VAT on ATF to promote helicopter operations in their States/ UTs.

h) UDAN:

MoCA is developing heliports/ helipads under the Scheme of “Revival/

up-gradation of airports/ heliports/ water aerodromes for regional
connectivity” to facilitate helicopter operations under UDAN in
collaboration with State Governments. These heliports/helipads would
extend the benefit of waiver of landing, parking charges for all helicopter
operations except private category.
3. Support for Infrastructure for Helicopter Operations:

a. State Governments/ UTs to set up Institutional Mechanism to facilitate

Helicopter Operations to obtain permissions, approvals, clearances, etc.
b. Helicopter operations are non-scheduled by nature, as such, efforts to be
madefor separate enclosures at airports to minimize conflict with scheduled
operations at airports.
c. DGCA would make guidelines/ regulations for roof top helipads for helicopter
operations with due diligence to enhance mobility in urban areas and
operations originating from within city limits.
d. Efforts to be made to include exclusive enclave for helicopter operations in
future GreenField Airports including Greenfield projects under construction.
e. AAI will develop Heli-Hubs at 3 Green Field Airports being developed at
Hirasar (Rajkot), Hollongi (Arunachal Pradesh) and Dholera (Gujarat). AAI
will also improve the existing infrastructure and develop Heli-Hub at Juhu
airport, Mumbai.
f. AAI may continue to explore to provide dedicated corridors for Helicopter
operations.
g. AAI may explore to develop Heliports at 50 locations for helicopter
operations, as per the list to be finalized by AAI periodically, where schedule
aircraft movements are limited, using existing infrastructure of Apron and
Terminal Buildings:
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