Delhi, India: India has approved its first Private Point-in-Space (PinS) Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopter operations, marking a significant advancement in the country’s aviation navigation infrastructure. Developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the new procedure has been introduced at Undavalli Heliport and is expected to strengthen flight safety, operational reliability and all-weather accessibility for helicopters.
The approval represents a milestone in India’s efforts to modernize helicopter navigation by introducing advanced satellite-based instrument approach procedures at helipads that do not have conventional instrument landing infrastructure. Designed in line with DGCA regulations and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, the PinS procedure enables helicopters to carry out precise instrument approaches even in challenging weather conditions or regions where traditional ground-based navigation aids are unavailable.
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the initiative is part of the country’s broader push to adopt performance-based navigation technologies and expand the use of indigenous satellite-enabled aviation systems.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the approval marks the beginning of a new phase for helicopter operations in India by improving safety, efficiency and accessibility. He noted that the development follows the successful completion of the first phase of this year’s Char Dham helicopter operations without any reported incidents, supported by upgraded technological infrastructure. He also acknowledged the coordinated efforts of AAI, DGCA and the Government of Andhra Pradesh in achieving the milestone.
The minister further observed that India’s aviation sector continues to advance through technology-driven initiatives. He pointed to the recent demonstration of the country’s first indigenous GAGAN-based precision approach by a commercial aircraft, describing the new PinS approval as another important step towards modernising aviation infrastructure and aligning Indian navigation systems with global standards.
The ministry said the framework is expected to facilitate similar PinS procedures at additional locations across the country. Besides supporting emergency medical services and disaster response missions, it is expected to benefit tourism, offshore operations, pilgrimage routes, corporate aviation and regional connectivity by enabling safer instrument flight operations and reducing weather-related disruptions.
The approval also reinforces India’s ongoing efforts to improve helicopter connectivity while strengthening aviation safety through satellite-based navigation technologies.
Source: This article is based on an official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India
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