State officials to fly in Rs 55 cr helicopter

On December 29, the state government inducted the S-76 C++ helicopter with VVIP configuration, to be used by dignitaries like the Chief Minister, Deputy CM and the Governor.u00a0

The aircraft, which cost the state Rs 55 crore succeeds the older Dolphin helicopter which had to undergo retrofitment having completed 10 years of service, in keeping with safety regulations.u00a0

Captain Sanjay Karve, Director Civil Aviation, said, "Post the YSR Reddy chopper crash in Andhra Pradesh, the DGCA has laid down strict safety guidelines for VVIP helicopters. S-76 C++ has advanced safety parameters."

The new helicopter has an Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) to calculate the flight path and locate on-ground obstructions by giving the pilot an audio alarm. It also has a collision avoidance system that comes in handy during bad weather or poor visibility conditions.u00a0

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