What is PinS Instrument Approach? India’s first Procedure for Helicopter Operations

The Government of India approved the Private Point-in-Space (PinS) instrument approach procedure for the first time in the country. A helicopter-specific satellite-guided procedure to ensure safe and reliable all-weather connectivity. 

The PinS approach is developed by the Airports Authority of India(AAI) and approved by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) designed according to the requirements provided by the International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO) standards and recommended practices.

What is PinS Approach?

PinS(point-in-space) is a satellite-based navigation technology to enable helicopters to carry out safe and precise instrument approaches for helicopters. The satellite will help the pilots during adverse weather conditions especially in areas where ground based navigation services are not available. 

Features of the PinS Approach

The Government of India approved the PinS approach to make India’s aviation sector safe and accident-free. Here are the key features of the  PinS approach

The system is guided by the satellite navigation system and will use the Global Navigation Satellite System(GNSS) and augmentation systems such as the GPS-Aided Geo-Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) system. It will help to provide accurate and reliable coordinates or location to the pilots during bad weather conditions.

The PinS procedure is a two part approach such as an instrumental segment and a visual segment. The instrument segment uses cockpit instrumentation in instrument meteorological conditions while the visual segment is flown using the visual reference to the ground. 

The approach will use the VFR visuals to guide the pilots during the final. The approach will provide clear visibility to all weather conditions, all remote regions, mountains etc.

The new procedure will enable safer Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) for strategically important locations(border areas) and remote areas( north-east)  to improve the operational reliability and minimise the weather related turbulence. 

What is Significance ?

The introduction of the first PinS instrument approach procedure is a huge achievement for the country's aviation sector. It supports the government's vision of modernising aviation infrastructure through performance based navigation. 

Strengthening India's technological development by using the indigenous satellite based navigation system. It also highlights India's commitment to aligning its aviation sector with global best practices.