The long awaited helicopter service from VUDA Park to Kailasagiri and Araku is soon going to become a reality with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) and Sky Choppers Private Ltd., the chopper service operator, scheduled to be signed on Wednesday.
It may be recalled that feasibility studies for the operation of choppers were conducted by the private operator and land was identified for development of the helipad ( The Hindu , March 6).
Once the MoU was signed and VUDA gave its written consent, the chopper service operator can obtain the clearance from the DGCA (Director General of Civil Aviation).
“The helicopter ride to Kailasagiri and back from VUDA Park would take around 5 minutes while the ride to Araku would last for about 15 minutes. Our company already has the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) clearance for operation of non-scheduled aircraft,” Chandrasekhar of Sky Choppers Private Ltd. earlier told The Hindu .
“The helicopter trip to Kailasagiri could be around Rs.2,500. The rate would, however, be decided by the Government of AP,” Mr. Chandrasekhar said.
“The helipads will be developed by VUDA and leased to the private operator. The operator has to obtain the clearance from the Civil Aviation Authorities. We can complete the development of the helipad in 72 hours,” VUDA Vice Chairman told The Hindu on Tuesday.
