The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has added two new B-360 type aircraft equipped with an advanced state-of-the-art Flight Inspection system to its Flight Inspection Fleet to meet the flying requirement for Flight Calibration of the increased number of Ground Navigational/Landing Aids installed at Indian airports and PBN Procedures validation.
As a reminder, Aerodata AG Germany ordered two Textron Aviation Beechcraft King Air 360 aircraft in 2022 to equip them for flight inspection missions. These mission-specific aircraft were intended for AAI. Aerodata is a privately owned German corporation headquartered at Braunschweig-Wolfsburg Airport. Under its Flight Inspection System, AeroFIS calibrates or validates all NAVAids and flight procedures. The King Air 360s will replace their current King Air B300 aircraft.
With the addition of these new aircraft to its fleet, AAI will be able to calibrate the Ground Radio Navigational/Visual Aids at all Indian airports promptly. AAI will also provide necessary support by performing flight calibrations in neighbouring countries, generating revenue.
The Flight Inspection Unit of AAI is a crucial cog in the safety chain of the Air Navigation Service that AAI provides throughout the Indian airspace. Because of the importance of aviation infrastructures and the growing number of airports across the country, navigational aids are currently being implemented at every airport to ensure the safety of flight movements.
These aircraft will be used to calibrate Category I, II, and III Instrument Landing Systems, DVORs, DMEs, NDBs, Radars, GBASs, PAPIs, and TACANs, among others. In addition, they will validate the RNP and LPV procedures and the Instrument Approach Letdown procedures for DVOR/DME and ILS.
Flight Inspection, which is essential for guaranteeing the best international standards as established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), must keep up to ensure that Indian aviation receives equipment that functions within the most stringent parameters. Currently, The FIU of AAI operates One Dornier-228 and One B-350 aircraft for Flight Calibration /Inspection purposes and calibrates the Navigational aids such as Doppler VOR, DME, NDB, Landing aids such as Instrument Landing Systems and Precision Approach Path Indicator installed at the country’s numerous airports.
In 1959, the FIU was founded in Bamrauli, Allahabad, now known as Prayagraj. In 1986, it was moved to the Safdarjung Airport, where it remains today. The FIU was first equipped with Dakota aircraft but later upgraded to the HS748 AVRO, the Dornier DO-228, and the Beechcraft King Air B350.
