A recent incident involving a daring infiltrator associated with the Hamas extremist group infiltrating Israel using a motorized hang glider has prompted the Indian government to reevaluate its security measures. This event underscored the need for a comprehensive revision of regulations governing powered hang gliders, as they represent unconventional flying contraptions that can pose security vulnerabilities.
The Nature of Powered Hang Gliders
Powered hang gliders are distinct from traditional hang gliders, as they integrate a small engine into the pilot’s harness, enabling motorized flight. In light of the security breach and potential vulnerabilities it exposed, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced new regulations to govern the operation of powered hang gliders. These regulations aim to enhance national security and ensure that only trained and authorized individuals operate these motorized hang gliders.
Revised Regulations for Powered Hang Gliders
The revised regulations for powered hang gliders are as follows:
- Authorization Requirement: No individual may operate a powered hang glider without explicit authorization from a DGCA-approved examiner or instructor.
- Instructor Qualifications: The examiner or instructor authorizing powered hang glider operations must have a minimum of 50 hours of flight experience on powered hang gliders, with an additional 10 hours on a dual machine. These qualified individuals are responsible for scrutinizing and authorizing others for powered hang glider operations.
- Test Flight Supervision: Test flights for powered hang gliders can only be conducted by a pilot holding a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with at least 25 hours of experience on powered hang gliders or an authorized person with a minimum of 50 hours of powered hang glider flight experience.
Existing Security Protocols
Before these newly implemented regulations, existing security protocols required prospective buyers to seek security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs through DGCA. DGCA issued certificates only after thorough background checks, ensuring the credibility of buyers or operators.
Prohibited Equipment and Devices
It was explicitly stated that powered hang gliders were non-transferable, non-leasable, and could not be sold without a DGCA-issued certificate. Additionally, equipping these hang gliders with any remote sensing devices, weaponry, or photography and video recording equipment was strictly prohibited without explicit authorization from the Ministry of Home Affairs, except when required for the aircraft’s safe operation as specified in relevant regulations.
