By Staff Correspondent
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Dhruv helicopter has been awarded a restricted type certification by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), validating HAL’s capabilities to produce helicopter platforms that meet demanding European standards. The certification, presented today in Brussels, Belgium, enhances the credibility of Indian aerospace engineering on the international stage.
This move comes shortly after India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) formalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with EASA, an agreement to foster collaboration in the fast-growing sector of Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Innovative Air Mobility.
The recent certification bestowed upon HAL and the broader pact with EASA are seen as key steps in bolstering mutual cooperation between Indian and European aviation sectors. The DGCA-EASA MoU was signed on 20 April 2023 during the EU-India Aviation Summit in New Delhi.
As per the agreed terms, the DGCA and EASA will jointly establish certification standards and environmental guidelines for unmanned aircraft systems and innovative air mobility operations. The comprehensive scope of this partnership covers a wide array of areas, including personnel licensing, training, air traffic management and infrastructure, and Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) standards and services.
The MoU further outlines plans for a robust exchange of information on technological advances, sector-specific research, and outreach strategies for stakeholders. It also envisages joint efforts in organising conferences, workshops, and training programmes in the field.
Analysts predict that the DGCA-EASA MoU and HAL’s EASA certification will foster harmonised standards and stimulate growth in the domestic sector. By integrating international best practices and standards, the Indian aviation industry is expected to navigate an innovative trajectory in the coming years.
Dr D.K. Sunil, Director of Engineering and R&D at HAL, received the certification at a ceremony attended by high-ranking representatives from the DGCA and EASA, including Filip Cornelis, Director of Aviation, Directorate-General Transport & Mobility; Luc Tytgat, Strategy & Safety Management Director, EASA; SK Mishra, JS MoCA; and Vikram Dev Dutt, DGCA.