India has approved its first Private Point-in-Space (PinS) Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopter operations, marking a major step in the country’s aviation infrastructure. The approval was announced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on July 1, 2026.
The PinS Instrument Approach Procedure has been developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). It has been implemented at Undavalli Heliport in line with DGCA regulations and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices.
The new procedure uses satellite-based navigation technology to help helicopters safely conduct instrument approaches at heliports without conventional instrument landing systems. It is expected to improve flight safety, support operations during poor weather conditions, and expand helicopter connectivity in remote areas.
Key Highlights
- India has approved its first Private Point-in-Space (PinS) Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopter operations.
- The procedure has been introduced at Undavalli Heliport.
- It was developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
- The PinS procedure uses satellite-based navigation to support safe instrument approaches where conventional landing infrastructure is unavailable.
- The approval is expected to improve helicopter operations for emergency services, disaster relief, tourism, regional connectivity, and other sectors.
- The system follows DGCA regulations and ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices.
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India Introduces Satellite-Based Navigation for Helicopter Operations
The Point-in-Space (PinS) Instrument Approach Procedure enables helicopters to carry out precise instrument approaches using advanced satellite-based navigation technology. Unlike conventional instrument approach systems, PinS procedures do not require ground-based navigation equipment at the heliport.
This makes the technology especially useful in remote locations and during adverse weather conditions, where traditional navigation infrastructure may not be available. The system is designed to improve operational safety and reduce weather-related disruptions to helicopter services.
The procedure introduced at Undavalli Heliport has been developed according to DGCA regulations and ICAO standards, ensuring compliance with international aviation practices.
Government Highlights Aviation Modernisation
Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu said the approval marks the beginning of a new phase for helicopter operations in India by improving flight safety, operational efficiency, and all-weather accessibility.
He acknowledged the coordinated efforts of the Airports Authority of India, DGCA, and the Government of Andhra Pradesh in achieving the milestone. The minister also noted that the first phase of this year’s Char Dham helicopter operations was completed without any incidents, supported by upgraded technological infrastructure.
The minister further said that India is adopting modern technologies to make helicopter operations more reliable and accessible across the country.
Expected Benefits Across Multiple Sectors
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the approval is expected to support the development of similar PinS Instrument Approach Procedures at other locations across India.
The technology could benefit emergency medical services, disaster relief operations, tourism, offshore activities, pilgrimage services, corporate aviation, and regional connectivity. It is also expected to enable safer Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations in remote and strategically important areas while improving operational reliability.
The ministry also stated that the approval supports the government’s broader efforts to modernise aviation infrastructure through Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) and expand the use of indigenous satellite-based navigation technologies in line with global aviation standards.
Source: Ministry of Civil Aviation
