PinS is an advanced satellite navigation system that enables helicopters to land safely at heliports, even in the absence of traditional instrument landing systems or ground-based navigation aids.
This technology empowers pilots to execute precise instrument approaches, particularly in adverse weather conditions like fog, rain, or low visibility. It proves especially beneficial for heliports positioned in remote or hard-to-reach locations.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation proudly announces a groundbreaking achievement in India’s aviation sector with the approval of the country’s first Private Point-in-Space (PinS) Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopter operations at Undavalli Heliport.
Developed by the Airports…
— PIB India (@PIB_India) July 2, 2026
The ministry revealed that the new system was created by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and received approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
As per the ministry, the procedure adheres to DGCA guidelines and aligns with the standards and recommended practices set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Undavalli Heliport has achieved the distinction of being the first private heliport in India to obtain approval for this state-of-the-art instrument approach procedure. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu remarked that this approval signifies the onset of a new era for helicopter operations in India.
“I would like to commend the collaborative efforts of all involved agencies, including the Airports Authority of India, DGCA, and the state government of Andhra Pradesh, in reaching this historic milestone. Our top priority is to incorporate modern technologies to increase the reliability and accessibility of helicopter operations nationwide,” he stated.
Naidu also highlighted that the first phase of this year’s Char Dham helicopter operations was successfully concluded without any incidents, thanks to enhanced technological infrastructure. “Our goal is to establish a technology-driven and globally competitive helicopter ecosystem in India,” he added.
He further noted that just last week, India successfully conducted the nation’s first commercial aircraft landing utilizing the indigenous GAGAN satellite navigation system. The approval of the first PinS procedure for helicopters marks another significant achievement in this direction.
GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation) is India’s own satellite navigation system, developed collectively by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and ISRO. The government aims to minimize reliance on outdated ground-based navigation systems in favor of satellite-based navigation solutions.
