Copter pilots' body seeks security at helipads

 A chopper pilots' body has told DGCA that illegal carriage of cash and arms during this poll season cannot be prevented till security is vastly improved at helipads.

The Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI) said lax security at most helipads, particularly the hurriedly prepared makeshift ones in remote areas, could potentially lead to illegal transport of cash and arms during the election season.

It also asked the DGCA to take steps to put an end to incidents like thrashing of a helicopter pilot, allegedly by the BJP workers for refusing to fly senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde from Beed to another place in Maharashtra. The pilot had reportedly refused to fly Munde citing fuel shortage and not having flight clearance for the new destination. The DGCA had issued a circular earlier directing the crew of aircraft or helicopters flying VIPs for campaigning to ensure that no unauthorised cash, narcotics or arms are carried in the flight, among other things.