Civil aviation ministry announces simplified norms for seaplane operations

The civil aviation ministry on Thursday announced simplified regulations for seaplane operations, including allowing non-scheduled entities to operate such services and putting in place a simplified certificate process.

The relaxed norms are aimed at encouraging seaplane operations under the regional air connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik).

Generally, seaplanes are amphibian aircraft that can take off and land on the sea.

Under the relaxed norms of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), there will be no need for a waterdrome license and compliance requirements have also been reduced.

Waterdromes are for landing and take off of seaplanes.

The revised regulations have been carefully planned and prepared after extensive consultations, said Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu.

Speaking at an event in the national capital to announce the revised regulations, Naidu also said that seaplane operations can help stimulate tourism.

Among other regulatory chang