Airports Authority of India Enhances Flight Inspection Fleet with New B-360 Aircraft
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has taken a significant step to meet the rising demand for Flight Calibration services and the validation of Ground Navigational/Landing Aids and PBN Procedures at Indian airports. In a ceremony held at Safdarjung Airport in New Delhi, AAI introduced two advanced B-360 aircraft, equipped with state-of-the-art Flight Inspection systems, into its Flight Inspection Fleet.
The induction of these new aircraft was celebrated in the presence of esteemed guests, including 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; Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary of Civil Aviation; and Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman of AAI.
The Flight Inspection Unit (FIU) of the Airports Authority of India plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of air navigation services across the Indian airspace. With India’s expanding network of airports and aviation infrastructure, the installation of navigational aids at airports has become essential for the safety of flight operations.
Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, expressed, “AAI has added two new B-360 aircraft equipped with advanced technology to the AAI Flight Inspection Unit’s Fleet. Flight calibration services play a vital role in ensuring the efficient and safe operation of aircraft by validating various Air Navigation Services Procedures.”
The newly inducted B-360 aircraft will perform essential tasks, including calibrating Category I, II, and III 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 a critical element in maintaining international aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The AAI’s FIU currently operates one Dornier-228 and one B-350 aircraft for Flight Calibration/Inspection services, ensuring the accurate functioning of Navigational Aids, such as Doppler VOR, DME, NDB, and Precision Approach Path Indicators, at airports throughout India.
The FIU, established in 1959 in Bamrauli (now Prayagraj) and later relocated to Safdarjung Airport in 1986, has continuously upgraded its capabilities. It transitioned from Dakota aircraft to HS748 AVRO, followed by Dornier DO-228 and Beechcraft King Air B350, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in Indian aviation. These new B-360 aircraft represent another step towards ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel in India.
