The Election Commission of India (ECI), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have come out with strict norms on the use of helicopters by political parties and politicians during the Lok Sabha polls.
Last month, the DGCA held a meeting of helicopter charterers to discuss the dos and don'ts as far as the use of helicopters in the campaign are concerned.
More than a decade ago, the Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI) had come out with guidelines - in the wake of chopper accidents.
"Its a sort of an advisory," said Capt Uday Gelli, president, Western Region, RWSI.
"The helicopter charter companies, pilots have been asked to look at various things.. checking of the landing site, security of chopper at the site, pre-flight checks and so on. Besides, transportation of cash is not allowed," he added.
"Safety and security are key issues in flying, during election flying we have to be extra cautious...there is a lot of pressure on us....in fact, the final build-up of a rally starts as soon as the crowd notices a helicopter," said a pilot, who wished not to be identified.
