Mumbai pilot's aircraft gets DGCA registration

A Mumbai-based commercial pilot has got registration from civil aviation authorities for flying a six-seater aircraft he made.

Captain Amol Yadav, 41, who is a deputy chief pilot with Jet Airways, had displayed the aircraft during the 'Make in India' event at the Bandra-Kurla Complex last year.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday formally handed over the certificate of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The certificate means he would now be able to undertake further tests and fly the airplane.

Capt Yadav made the aircraft on the terrace of his home at Charkop.
"The terrace attached to our three-BHK flat is spread over 1,600 sq ft, and has been my workshop," he said.

Yadav was inspired to try his hand at assembling planes after he saw flying enthusiasts in the US purchasing phased-out planes and turning them into customised six or 12-seater flying machines.

The prototype can reach heights of up to 13,000 feet at 1,500 feet per hour. It can cover a distance of 2,000 kilometres at a top speed of 185 nautical miles per hour. It is built to carry a weight of 1,450 kg, and could seat five to six people.