For Lal, India’s helicopter sector is a test of whether the country is moving toward that standard. The first Indian Air Force helicopter unit, the 104 Helicopter Unit, was raised on March 10, 1954. India’s civil helicopter aviationSingh then turns the conversation to the present state of civil aviation. Most Indian helicopters are used for offshore oil and gas operations, pilgrimages to inaccessible temples, business charters and political campaigning. Industry bodies like the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry and the Confederation of Indian Industry are also pushing for reforms.