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The Future of Helicopters in India | Air Mshl Butola

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India may be the world’s seventh-largest country with the largest population, but when it comes to helicopters, the numbers tell a surprising story—just 270 helicopters serve over 1.4 billion people. In this episode of Hangar X, host John Ramstead sits down with Air Marshal (Retd.) Anil Butola, President of the Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI) and former Indian Air Force test pilot, to unpack the state of India’s helicopter and vertical lift industry.

From his 42-year career in the Indian Air Force to leading efforts to reform civil aviation regulations, Air Marshal Butola shares unique insights into India’s helicopter challenges, opportunities, and the emerging role of EVTOLs and advanced air mobility. This episode dives into the regulatory hurdles, infrastructure gaps, and the bold vision for India’s vertical flight future.

Whether you’re an aviation professional, policymaker, or simply curious about the next frontier in aerospace, this conversation delivers insider perspectives on the future of vertical lift in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

✈️ Episode Highlights
  • India’s surprisingly small civilian helicopter fleet compared to its size and population.

  • The critical role of RWSI in shaping policy and industry growth.

  • Current helicopter applications: offshore oil & gas, pilgrimage routes, charters.

  • Challenges in law enforcement, emergency medical services, and air ambulance use.

  • How fiscal and regulatory hurdles limit industry growth.

  • The promise—and roadblocks—of EVTOL adoption in India.

  • Why RWSI is pushing for a dedicated Helicopter Directorate under DGCA.

  • Air Marshal Butola’s personal journey from fighter pilot and test pilot to industry advocate.

    • ⏱️ Key Points with Timestamps
    • [00:00:03] India’s helicopter gap: only 270 helicopters for the world’s largest population.

    • [00:01:55] Transitioning from 42 years in uniform to civilian life.

    • [00:02:56] Joining the Rotary Wing Society of India and becoming its President.

    • [00:04:03] RWSI’s role in policy influence and working with regulators.

    • [00:05:03] The slow growth of India’s helicopter industry since the 1950s.

    • [00:06:01] Comparing India to Brazil and the U.S.—huge gaps in helicopter numbers.

    • [00:06:55] Current helicopter roles: offshore oil & gas, pilgrimage flights, charters.

    • [00:07:55] Untapped roles: law enforcement, air ambulance, emergency response.

    • [00:08:23] Regulatory and fiscal hurdles: high duties and costly airport fees.

    • [00:09:40] Needed reforms and investment to expand the fleet.

    • [00:10:28] EVTOLs and advanced air mobility—opportunities and infrastructure challenges.

    • [00:13:37] Managing future air traffic: deconfliction, command, and control issues.

    • [00:14:27] Limitations in civil operations: only VFR, no IFR in India.

    • [00:15:21] The big hope: establishment of a Helicopter Directorate within DGCA.

      • Guest Bio

      Air Marshal (Retd.) Anil Butola served over 42 years in the Indian Air Force, including roles as a fighter pilot, instructor, and test pilot. Rising to the rank of Air Marshal (equivalent to a U.S. Lieutenant General), he has been at the forefront of India’s aviation leadership. After retiring in 2020, he became the President of the Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI), a nonprofit established in 1998 to represent and advance the helicopter industry in India. Under his leadership, RWSI advocates for regulatory reforms, industry growth, and the integration of new technologies such as EVTOLs and advanced air mobility.

      https://www.linkedin.com/in/as-butola-31b96ab/?originalSubdomain=in

      About Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI)

      The Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI), established in 1998, is a nonprofit professional body dedicated to the growth and advancement of the helicopter industry in India. It serves as a vital link between operators, regulators, manufacturers, and aviation professionals, working to address industry challenges, influence policy, and promote safe and efficient helicopter operations. With members ranging from pilots and engineers to industry leaders, RWSI plays a key role in driving innovation, supporting training initiatives, and advocating for greater use of helicopters in sectors such as offshore operations, emergency medical services, law enforcement, and disaster relief.

      Notable Quotes
      • “If you take the strength of helicopters to the population, it’s actually insignificant—just about 270 as of today.” — Air Marshal Butola

      • “The transition [out of uniform] is not that easy, and I’m sure it’s the same for all veterans who shed the uniform and come out.” — Air Marshal Butola

      • “We are the nodal point for the helicopter industry as far as the Ministry of Civil Aviation is concerned.” — Air Marshal Butola

      • “Law enforcement and air ambulance are roles where helicopters can make a huge impact, but they’ve been non-starters due to policy hurdles.” — Air Marshal Butola

      • “If the Helicopter Directorate comes through, that will be the beginning of real change for India’s helicopter industry.” — Air Marshal Butola
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        Hangar X StudiosBy John Ramstead