IOC starts exportation of aviation gasoline

Category
Science & Technology
Published
3rd Feb, 2023

Context

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has started the exports of aviation gasoline, which is used to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and small planes.

About

Aviation gasoline is a high-octane aviation fuel with superior performance and quality standards compared to imported fuels.

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)

UAV is an aircraft guided autonomously, by remote control, or both and that carries sensors, target designators, offensive ordnance, or electronic transmitters designed to interfere with or destroy enemy targets.

Usually, flying schools use this fuel for piston-engine aircraft.
The gas is certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and will benefit around 35 flying schools in the country.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly being used in modern warfare, including in Russia-Ukraine, so the development marks an important milestone for India from the perspective of defense preparedness.
The beginning of fuel exports marks the entry of India into an estimated $2.7 billion global market.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

DGCA is the regulatory body in the field of Civil Aviation, primarily dealing with safety issues.
It is responsible for regulation of air transport services to/from/within India and for enforcement of civil air regulations, air safety, and airworthiness standards.
It became a statutory body under the Aircraft Act, 2020.