In a significant development, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has expanded its Flight Inspection Fleet with the induction of two state-of-the-art B-360 aircraft. This enhancement is aimed at meeting the rising demand for Flight Calibration for Ground Navigational and Landing Aids at airports across India, as well as for validating Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) Procedures.
With these advanced aircraft, AAI can efficiently conduct flight calibration for Ground Radio Navigational and Visual Aids at all Indian airports. Moreover, AAI is well-positioned to offer flight calibration services to neighboring countries, potentially generating additional revenue.
The official flagging off of these aircraft took place at Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi, in the presence of key dignitaries, including Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel; General (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh, Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Civil Aviation; Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Civil Aviation; and Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman, AAI.
AAI’s Flight Inspection Unit plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of air navigation services in Indian airspace. With India’s growing network of airports and aviation infrastructure, navigational aids are being installed to facilitate safe flight operations. Flight calibration services are essential to validate various Air Navigation Services Procedures, ensuring efficient and secure aircraft operations.
Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “AAI has inducted two new B-360 type aircraft equipped with advanced technology into the AAI Flight Inspection Unit’s Fleet. Flight calibration services ensure efficient and safe operation of aircraft by validating various Air Navigation Services Procedures.”
These newly added B-360 aircraft will be instrumental in calibrating Instrument Landing Systems, DVORs, DME, NDB, Radar, GBAS, PAPI, TACAN, and validating RNP and LPV procedures, as well as Instrument Approach Letdown procedures for DVOR/DME and ILS.
Flight Inspection is vital to maintaining international standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and ensures that Indian aviation adheres to the strictest parameters. AAI’s Flight Inspection Unit currently operates one Dornier-228 and one B-350 aircraft for Flight Calibration and Inspection, serving airports across the country.