Civil Aviation Ministry Approves Setting up Water Aerodromes

Civil Aviation Ministry has given in-principle approval to set up water aerodromes in country. To start w⟋it has identified 5 states: Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh & Assam for development of water aerodromes.

Water Aerodromes

In 1st phase of project, Chilka Lake (Odisha) , Sabarmati River Front & Sardar Sarovar Dam (Gujarat) are identified for development of such facilities.

Key Facts on Water Aerodrome

  • Aerodrome is location from which aircraft flight operations take place, regardless of whether they involve air cargo, passengers.
  • Development of aerodromes projects in India will pave way for operation of amphibian planes (both in land & water) to enhance air connectivity.
  • These water aerodromes will be set up near tourist locations & places of religious importance.
  • Entity looking to set up water aerodrome has to take approvals from authorities, including ministries of defence, home, environment & forests & shipping.
  • DGCA has issued regulations prescribing procedure & requirement for licensing of water aerodromes.
  • Water aerodrome cannot be used for scheduled air transport services w⟋o licence.
  • Issued licence will be valid for 2 years.
  • Provisional licence will be issued for period of 6 months, during which implementation of water aerodrome operation will be monitored & regular licence will be accorded afterwards.

Sea-Planes

  • Sea-planes are small fixed-wing aircrafts designed for taking off & landing on water & do not require capital-intensive infrastructure for operations.
  • They are considered ideal for high-end travel to destinations that are far by road & are not equipped w⟋airports.
  • They require either 1-km long airstrip or water body, which is 1 km long & at least 10 feet deep.

Examrace Team at Aug 20, 2021