HAL airport becomes first in India to operationalise RNP CAT H helicopter approach

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An Mi-17 helicopter at HAL airport in Bengaluru. Among other things, HAL airport handles nearly 50 helicopter movements every day. | Photo Credit: File photo

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) airport in Bengaluru has become the first airport in India to operationalise the Required Navigation Performance – Category H (RNP CAT H) helicopter approach procedure.

RNP CAT H helicopter approach procedure is a satellite-guided precision navigation system designed exclusively for helicopters.

Also Read: HAL cannot do everything alone, private sector crucial to aerospace ecosystem: CMD Ravi K.

Developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), validated through flight trials by HAL test pilots, and approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), this approach allows helicopters to fly highly accurate optimised paths, enabling all-weather access while safely navigating terrain and urban obstacles. The procedure reduces the approach time to HAL airport from 12 minutes to about four minutes.

“This capability enhances the safety, efficiency and accessibility of helicopter operations, and establishes a benchmark for similar procedures to be implemented in airports across the country,” said Ravi K., CMD, HAL.

This system enhances operational efficiency and airspace capacity, enables seamless integration of rotary and fixed-wing operations, reduces noise footprint over cities, and provides faster, safer routes for critical missions such as air ambulance and rescue operations.

Though the HAL airport stopped commercial operations in 2008 following opening of the Kempegowda International Airport, it continues to be used for military flight testing and charter flight operations.

Among other things, HAL airport handles nearly 50 helicopter movements every day. HAL has closed a long-standing gap in India’s aviation infrastructure with this launch, paving the way for safer, smarter helicopter operations, according to the company.

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