India achieves major milestone: Helicopters can now land without radar as DGCA clears satellite-based navigation system

India has approved its first Private Point-in-Space (PinS) instrument approach procedure for helicopter operations at Undavalli Heliport in Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in the country's aviation sector, ANI reported.

The PinS instrument approach procedure was developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). It has been designed in accordance with DGCA regulations and the International Civil Aviation Organisation's Standards and Recommended Practices.

What is the PinS procedure?

PinS procedures use advanced satellite-based navigation technology to enable helicopters to carry out safe and accurate instrument approaches at heliports that do not have conventional instrument landing infrastructure.


According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, the technology is particularly useful during adverse weather conditions and in locations where ground-based navigation aids are unavailable.

Expected benefits across sectors

The ministry said the approval is expected to pave the way for similar PinS procedures across the country, improving the safety and reliability of helicopter operations.

It added that the technology will support emergency medical services, disaster relief, tourism, offshore operations, pilgrimage services, corporate aviation and regional connectivity.

Civil Aviation Minister welcomes milestone

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the approval marks the beginning of a new era in helicopter operations by improving flight safety, operational efficiency and all-weather accessibility.

He appreciated the coordinated efforts of the Airports Authority of India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Andhra Pradesh government in achieving the milestone.

The minister said the government remains committed to adopting modern technologies to make helicopter operations more reliable and accessible across the country. He also noted that the first phase of this year's Char Dham helicopter operations concluded successfully without any incident with the support of upgraded technological infrastructure.

Naidu added that the government's goal is to build a technology-driven and globally benchmarked helicopter ecosystem in India.