Soreng, November 26 (IPR): A trial landing of the Mi-172 helicopter operated by Skyone Airways Pvt. Ltd was successfully conducted by State Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) in collaboration with District Administrative Centre (DAC,Soreng) along with the Helipad Committee at the Dodak helipad in Soreng District, today.
The flight crew included Captain Trikaldarshi Kumar Singh, Captain MC Misra along with Mr Surender Singh, Mr DK Sharma, Mr Ravindra and Assistant General Manager (STDC, Helicopter Division) Mr Tej Pal Pradhan.
Shortly after the landing, the crew members were warmly welcomed and presented with a khada.
Speaking on the occasion, Assistant General Manager (STDC, Helicopter Division) Mr Tej Pal Pradhan expressed his gratitude to the District Administrative Centre (DAC, Soreng) and the Helipad Committee for the opportunity to conduct the trial landing. He then, briefed the gathering that trial landings on new or operational helipads are important to ensure safety, check the landing surface, spot obstacles, understand weather conditions, test communication and emergency procedures, follow aviation rules and help pilots get familiar with the site, reducing risks and making operations safer.
A few challenges were also discussed during the trial and it was highlighted that some obstructions, such as trees on the approach path, have been identified and notified to the Helipad Committee for early clearance so that commercial operation can commence at the earliest.
ADC-I Mr DR Bista delivered a vote of thanks, expressing his sincere appreciation to the State Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) for conducting the trial landing and for providing the district with this valuable opportunity. He also, assured continued support and committed to addressing the identified challenges to ensure smooth and safe commercial operations.
Also present were Zilla Panchayat Members, Panchayat Members, SDM (HQ) Mr Prem K Subba, SHO (Soreng) Mr Narayan Rai, (Physiotherapist, PHC, Soreng) Dr. Dipen Tamang, Helipad Committee Members, Police Personnel, Health representatives, Fire Services and General public.