Vadadora Beat

Chopper may be flown by one pilotAhmedabad: On July 23, 1998 The Indian Express carried a report headlined State chopper flies high abov...

Chopper may be flown by one pilot
Ahmedabad: On July 23, 1998 The Indian Express carried a report headlined State chopper flies high above the law8217;, which said that the GAIC helicopter used by VIPs was flown by one pilot when, by rules, all aircraft carrying VIPs are to have at least two pilots. Our report was based on a Civil Aviation Requirement CAR document of March 29, 1994, which said: 8220;All aircraft engaged in carriage of VVIP/VIP should be flown by at least two pilots.8221;

But on October 18, 1995, a circular from the Director-General of Civil Aviation had clarified that the above rule and others mentioned in the CAR document were 8220;desirable in the interest of safety of aircraft/helicopter operations8221; and were 8220;recommendatory in nature8221;. The rules are not mandatory.

Hence, flying the helicopter with one pilot does not break any rule. Besides, the flight manual for the Dauphin helicopter GAIC uses says it may be flown by one pilot alone.

The circular and the manual were brought to our notice by Capt R.N. Dogra, aviation adviser hon to the state government. He has also clarified that there is no doubt about his status as adviser. A government resolution of November 19, 1990 confers on him the status of ex-officio joint secretary in the roads amp; buildings department.

Rumour scotched
Vadodara: Civil Supplies Minister Jaspal Singh has scotched rumours of his resignation as a minister following reported differences with Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel. Political circles had been agog with rumours on Monday that Singh had put in his papers following a verbal exchange with party seniors. He said on Monday night, 8220;There is no such thing. I have had absolutely no problems whatsoever with the Chief Minister or any party senior.8221;

World Order talk
Former Indian Ambassador to the UN Arundhati Ghose will deliver a talk on India and the New World Order8217; at a function organised by the Federation of Gujarat Industries on August 8 at 6 pm at the FGI Auditorium, Federation Building, R C Dutt Road.

Human chain
A human chain comprising 3,000 students of the primary students of Ambe Vidyalaya was formed at VIP Road to spread the message of friendship and mark Friendship Day on Monday and spread awareness about the need for integrity in society.

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BUTA protest
The Baroda University Teachers Association will go on mass casual leave on Tuesday to register their protest against the non-implementation of the Rastogi-UGC recommendations on pay revision.

Stir withdrawn
Employees of the Gujarat State Forest Development Corporation, who were on a strike demanding pay hike since August 1, withdrew their stir on Monday following an assurance by Forest Minister Kanjibhai Patel.

Exhibition
An exhibition of artificial flowers, plants and fruits will be held by The Garden8217;, Sayajigunj, at the Sidcup Towers, Race Course from Tuesday. The display also includes a variety of artistic pots. The exhibition will remain open till August 6 from 10 am to 6 pm daily.