MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)
(a) & (b): In the year 2004, the Aircraft Act and Rules were amended to make it mandatory for all the
airports in the country, to be licensed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation irrespective of
their ownership. However, in the same rule, a provision was made that the airports which were in
existence prior to 2004 would be given a transition time to enable them to take the licenses. This
transition time has been extended upto 30.06.2011, through a recent Government Notification. Presently,
6 airports belonging to Airports Authority of India (AAI) where scheduled operations take place, possess
a valid license. AAI has already submitted applications along with documents for 36 AAI airports to DGCA
for grant of license and the licensing process is in advance stage. Applications for remaining 14 airports
of AAI are in the process of submission.
(c) The documentation for license applications is a lengthy process and needs various documentations
and compliance to provisions as per the revised parameters given by DGCA and therefore requires time
to complete the process. However, the airports meet all the applicable norms for safe and secure
operations as these airports are in operations for several years prior to the amendments necessiating
licences.
(d) & (e): Yes, Madam. Directorate General of Civil Aviation has issued a notification directing
all aerodrome operators to get a valid license by 30.06.2011.
(f): Civil Aviation Safety Advisory Council (CASAC) with experts from Aviation Industry/Stakeholder has been
set up in the DGCA to continue to address all the issues pertaining to operational Safety, oversight of
Airlines, aerodromes, Air Naviagation, and human factor etc.
Surveillance of aerodromes is being carried out as per the annual surveillance programme.
In addition inspection of the aerodromes is also carried out as and when some deficiency comes to the notice.
Following steps have been initiated to enhance the safety at the aerodromes with the aerodrome operators;
1. Provision of Runway End Safety Area 2. Ensure proper marking on runway 3. Proper maintenance of Basic
strip and ensuring Frangibility criteria 4. Periodic calibration of Nav aids 5. Maintenance of runway
surface within appropriate Friction level 6. Removal of Obstructions and proper marking and lighting
of permissible obstacles 7. Safety risk assessment in respect of non-compliances.
