India's first PinS helicopter approach procedure approved for Undavalli Heliport
Synopsis
India has approved its first Point-in-Space (PinS) Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopter operations at Undavalli Heliport — a quiet but consequential step that could reshape all-weather helicopter access across the country. If scaled, the technology stands to transform emergency medical, disaster relief, and pilgrimage operations at hundreds of heliports that currently lack instrument landing infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
India's first private PinS Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopter operations has been approved for Undavalli Heliport , Andhra Pradesh .
The procedure was developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) .
It uses satellite-based navigation technology to enable precise helicopter approaches without ground-based landing aids, particularly in adverse weather.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu called it 'the beginning of a new era in helicopter operations.' The approval is expected to pave the way for similar PinS procedures at heliports nationwide, benefiting emergency medical services , disaster relief , tourism , and pilgrimage operations .
India has cleared its first private Point-in-Space (PinS) Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopter operations, with the landmark approval granted for Undavalli Heliport in Andhra Pradesh on 2 July 2025. Developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and cleared by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the procedure marks a significant shift in how helicopters navigate to heliports that lack conventional instrument landing infrastructure.
What the PinS Procedure Does
PinS procedures rely on advanced satellite-based navigation technology to allow helicopters to execute safe, precise instrument approaches at heliports without ground-based navigation aids. This capability is especially critical during adverse weather conditions — fog, low visibility, or heavy rain — when visual flight is not possible. The procedure has been designed in strict compliance with DGCA regulations and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices.
What the Government Said
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu called the approval the start of 'a new era in helicopter operations,' citing improvements in flight safety, operational efficiency, and all-weather accessibility. 'I sincerely appreciate the coordinated efforts of all concerned agencies including the Airports Authority of India, DGCA and the state government of Andhra Pradesh in achieving this historic milestone,' Naidu said. He added that the government's 'foremost priority is the adoption of modern technologies to make helicopter operations more reliable and more accessible across the country.' Naidu also noted that the first phase of this year's Char Dham helicopter operations was completed without any incident, supported by upgraded technological infrastructure.
Why This Milestone Matters
India's helicopter sector has long been constrained by limited all-weather operational capability, particularly at smaller heliports that cannot support conventional instrument landing systems. The PinS approval directly addresses that gap by leveraging Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) and indigenous satellite navigation — aligning India's aviation ecosystem with global benchmarks. Notably, this is the first such private PinS procedure in the country, setting a template for wider rollout.
Sectors Set to Benefit
The approval is expected to catalyse the development of similar PinS procedures at heliports across India. Sectors identified as direct beneficiaries include emergency medical services, disaster relief, tourism, offshore operations, pilgrimage services such as Char Dham, corporate aviation, and regional connectivity. The government has framed this as a step toward building a 'technology-driven and globally benchmarked helicopter ecosystem in India.'
What Comes Next
With the Undavalli Heliport procedure now live, the AAI and DGCA are expected to replicate the model at other heliports, particularly those serving remote or mountainous regions. The broader push sits within India's Performance-Based Navigation framework, which prioritises satellite-guided approaches over legacy ground infrastructure. Industry observers will watch how quickly the rollout scales and whether regulatory clearances can keep pace with demand from emergency and commercial operators.
Point of View
But its real value depends on how fast the AAI can replicate it. India has hundreds of heliports — many serving Himalayan pilgrimage routes and remote medical corridors — that remain operationally grounded the moment visibility drops. One approved procedure at one heliport in coastal Andhra Pradesh is a proof of concept, not a system. The harder question is whether the DGCA has the regulatory bandwidth and the AAI the engineering capacity to certify PinS approaches at scale before the next monsoon or mountain rescue season tests the gap.
NationPress
2 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PinS Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopters?
A Point-in-Space (PinS) Instrument Approach Procedure uses satellite-based navigation to guide helicopters on precise, safe approaches to heliports that lack conventional instrument landing systems. It is especially critical during low visibility or adverse weather conditions, enabling all-weather helicopter operations at locations previously restricted to visual flight only.
Where has India's first PinS procedure been approved?
The first PinS Instrument Approach Procedure has been approved for Undavalli Heliport in Andhra Pradesh. It was developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and cleared by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), in compliance with ICAO standards.
Who developed and approved the PinS procedure in India?
The procedure was developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The Andhra Pradesh state government also played a coordinating role, as acknowledged by Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.
Which sectors will benefit from PinS helicopter procedures in India?
The government has identified emergency medical services, disaster relief, tourism, offshore operations, pilgrimage services (including Char Dham), corporate aviation, and regional connectivity as key beneficiaries. The Undavalli approval is expected to serve as a template for similar procedures at heliports across the country.
How does PinS relate to India's broader aviation modernisation plans?
The PinS approval is part of India's Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) framework, which prioritises satellite-guided approaches over legacy ground-based infrastructure. It aligns with the government's stated goal of building a 'technology-driven and globally benchmarked helicopter ecosystem' and expanding the use of indigenous satellite navigation technologies.
