Directorate General of Civil Aviation Mandates New Safety Regulations for Char Dham Helicopter Operations

Key facts

• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated that all aircraft operating in the Char Dham sector must carry two pilots, effective from November 2, 2026.
• The new regulations require the co-pilot to be a hill-qualified pilot.
• Operators must obtain positive destination and en-route clearance from the Control Room at Sahastradhara in Dehradun before each flight leg.
• All crew members are required to file a Pilot Report (PIREP) after landing at each destination helipad during charter operations.