Reforms for fractional private jet ownership, online tests on cards

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Mint. Among on proposed changes, the ministry is working on increasing efficiency in the private jet ecosystem by issuing radio telephony licences via online tests. In aviation, RTR (Radio Telephony Restricted) is a two-way communication between aircraft and stations or locations.

The information and instructions transmitted are of vital importance in the safety of operations. In India, RTR examination is conducted under the provisions of Indian Wireless Telegraphy (Commercial Radio Operators Certificates of proficiency and licence to operate Wireless Telegraphy) Rules, 1954. Hence, the proposed changes are expected to require amendments to both the Aircraft Act, 1934 as well as the Telegraphy Rules, 1954, one of the officials cited above said.

“The proposed changes are being discussed with the ministry of telecommunications and then going forward, the ministry will also seek a legal view from the ministry of law and justice on the draft bill," he said. “The aim is to ready the draft bill over the next few weeks so that it can be proposed to the Cabinet and if and when Cabinet approves, it can then be presented to Parliament in the winter session. That is the broad target in terms of timeline," he added.

The government is also in discussions to allow fractional ownership, a long-standing industry demand. In 2022, the civil aviation ministry said it will allow fractional ownership of business jets and helicopters to spur growth of non-scheduled operations in the country. This allows owners to fly a fixed number of hours per year based on their investments.