India Approves First PinS Instrument Approach Procedure for Helicopter Operations

India has achieved a major milestone in aviation with the approval of the country’s first Private Point-in-Space (PinS) Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopter operations at the Undavalli Heliport. The initiative marks a significant step towards improving the safety, efficiency, and reliability of helicopter services across the country.

The procedure was developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in accordance with DGCA regulations and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices.

PinS (Point-in-Space) procedures use satellite-based navigation technology to enable helicopters to safely carry out instrument approaches to heliports without conventional instrument landing systems. The technology enhances operational capability in poor weather conditions and in remote areas where ground-based navigation aids are unavailable.

Union Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu described the approval as the beginning of a new era in India’s helicopter operations. He said the introduction of the country’s first PinS Instrument Approach Procedure will significantly improve flight safety, operational efficiency, and all-weather accessibility. The Minister appreciated the coordinated efforts of the Airports Authority of India, DGCA, and the Government of Andhra Pradesh in achieving the milestone.

He emphasized that the government’s priority is to adopt modern technologies that make helicopter operations safer, more reliable, and widely accessible. Referring to the recently concluded first phase of this year’s Char Dham helicopter operations, the Minister noted that the operations were completed without any incidents, supported by upgraded technological infrastructure.

Highlighting the broader vision for India’s aviation sector, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu said the country is witnessing rapid technological progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He pointed out that India recently demonstrated its first indigenous GAGAN-based precision approach by a commercial aircraft, and the approval of the first PinS Instrument Approach Procedure is another important milestone in modernizing aviation infrastructure. The initiative supports the government’s push for Performance-Based Navigation (PBN), greater use of indigenous satellite-based navigation systems, and alignment with global aviation standards.

The approval is expected to facilitate the development of similar PinS procedures across the country, benefiting emergency medical services, disaster response, tourism, offshore operations, pilgrimage services, corporate aviation, and regional connectivity. It will also enable safer Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations in remote and strategically important regions while reducing weather-related disruptions.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation congratulated the teams from DGCA, AAI, and all stakeholders involved in achieving the milestone, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening helicopter connectivity, enhancing aviation safety, and promoting the adoption of advanced satellite-based navigation technologies across India.

Source: PIB