Pune: The fatal crash of Jan 28, in which Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar was slain along with four others, has sparked concern among clients of private flight services. Aviation companies said they are handling a large number of queries, many technical and uncommon in nature, from customers planning to book choppers and charters. Company officials told TOI that queries are coming in droves, ranging from making sure of the aircraft manufacturing date to questions such as whether the pilot/s are licenced, precisely how many hours of flying experience they have, the nearest airport or helipad in case of emergency, and trying to ensure that equipment checks happen in front of them. Ishwarchandra Gulgule, managing director of Kaigu Aviation, confirmed, “There has been an increased volume of queries lately, which was not the case earlier. Some questions were always there, but now potential customers ask a lot of doubts following the fatal crash. We try to patiently answer them.” He added, “It isn’t that people were not worried about safety of choppers or chartered flights earlier. However, after the crash, the queries have been more pinpointed. Clients want to ensure that the aircraft is in good shape and need proof of the same. Strangely, many ask if pilots have the proper licence to operate a flight; in some cases, they want to see it. People are asking comprehensive queries about all safety aspects of a chopper or an aircraft, which didn’t happen earlier. Clients should know that every pilot has all permissions to operate. In case of an accident, their lives too are at risk.” The Learjet 45 jet aircraft crash in Baramati in the early hours of Jan 28 resulted in the death of the deputy CM, two pilots, a flight attendant, and a personal security officer. At present, the investigation is being handled by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB); while the black box was recovered, other parts of the crashed aircraft have been sent to Mumbai for inspection, said sources. A representative of another aviation company said some clients are suddenly demanding to witness the pilots checking the choppers or aircraft before take-off. “Before any flight, pilots check all aspects of the aircraft or chopper. The decision of the pilot on whether to fly or not is final. Every aspect, including the weather, is taken into consideration. If the pilot feels even slightly that flying can be risky, they can refuse.” The representative added, “These days, queries arrive about various technical aspects that flyers don’t even really understand the nuances of. Some want to know about the secondary airport on which the flight can land in case it encounters a problem.” Gulgule clarified, however, that the accident has not affected bookings. “The day the incident took place, many leaders flew to Baramati to pay tribute. Flying cannot stop. People who have to reach long distances faster will book aircraft and choppers. The queries have been unusual, no doubt, but they have not impact edbookings,” he told TOI.
