PinS is a satellite-based navigation system that helps helicopters land safely at heliports even when there are no traditional instrument landing systems or ground-based navigation aids.
The technology allows pilots to make accurate instrument approaches, especially during poor weather conditions such as fog, rain or low visibility. It is particularly useful for heliports located in remote or difficult-to-access areas.
Ministry of Civil Aviation is pleased to announce a significant milestone 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 department said the new system was developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
According to the ministry, the procedure has been designed in line with DGCA regulations and the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Undavalli Heliport has become the first private heliport in India to receive approval for this advanced instrument approach procedure. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the approval marks the beginning of a new era for helicopter operations in India.
“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. Our foremost priority is the adoption of modern technologies to make helicopter operations more reliable and more accessible across the country,” he said.
Naidu also noted that the first phase of this year’s Char Dham helicopter operations was completed without any incidents, supported by improved technological infrastructure. “Our commitment is to build a technology-driven and globally benchmarked helicopter ecosystem in India,” he added.
Naidu also pointed out that just last week, India successfully carried out the country’s first commercial aircraft landing using the indigenous GAGAN satellite navigation system. Now, the approval of the first PinS procedure for helicopters is another milestone in the same direction.
GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation) is India’s own satellite-based navigation system, developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and ISRO. The government wants to reduce dependence on older ground-based navigation systems and instead use satellite-based navigation.
