NEW DELHE: A controversial helicopter which was brought from Great Britain in a quid pro for London curbing the Sikh activists, is being sought to be replaced because of “‘utter dissatisfaction.” The Westland helicopter was brought from Great Britain to help save its manufacturers from bankruptcies. This was done in spite of the opposition from civil aviation experts and opposition leaders, Political analysts had suggested) that India bought the helicopters in return for Britain taking a harsher attitude towards the Sikhs in U.K. The Oil and Natural Gas Commission government body has said it is “utterly dissatisfied” with the Westland helicopters and has asked for governments permission to hire other helicopters.
Civil Aviation officials meet with the Chief of Pawan Hans. (Indian Helicopter Agency to discuss the fate of the Westland helicopters. It was decided to allow the ONGC to hire helicopters from the Air Force till a final decision was taken.
A number of Pawan Hans helicopters have also been involved in crashes.
Article extracted from this publication >> April 28, 1989
