MUMBAI- On July 16, 2024, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) successfully conducted its first calibration flight at India’s first multi-modal airport, Navi Mumbai International (NMI), where NMI is an IATA code.
AAI began testing the Instrumental Landing System (ILS) at NMIA, which plans to start initial operations by March 2025.
Navi Mumbai Airport Calibration Flight
Testing that runs from July 16 to July 20, 2024, by AAI will evaluate various aspects of ILS operations on the runway during this period. The ILS guides pilots for precise landings using two radio beams that provide horizontal and vertical cues.
The flight testing is done using AAI’s Beech Super King Air 350 aircraft, registered as VT-FIU. It is an 18-year-old turbo-prop aircraft which is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A.
The localizer component ensures lateral alignment with the runway’s centerline. The glide path component offers vertical altitude guidance. Approximately 20 tests occur before deployment to ensure system readiness.
The current testing checks the signal accuracy and reliability of horizontal and vertical guidance systems. These tests aim to maintain safe operational standards. An airport official confirmed the successful completion of calibration testing at the site.
Earlier AAI conducted similar tests at Noida International Airport (DXN), which will act as a second alternative airport for the Delhi-NCR region.
What is tested during Calibration Flights?
Calibration flights play a crucial role in preparing new airports for commercial operations. These flights verify and adjust navigation aids, runway lighting, and airspace elements to ensure safety and accuracy.
During calibration flights, pilots and technicians test various systems:
- Navigation aids: They check the accuracy of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR), and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME).
- Runway lighting: They assess the visibility and functionality of approach lights, runway edge lights, and taxiway lights.
- Airspace procedures: They validate approach and departure routes, ensuring they’re safe and efficient.
- Obstacle clearance: They confirm that flight paths are free from obstructions.
These flights also allow pilots to familiarize themselves with the airport’s layout and procedures. They practice approaches, landings, and takeoffs in different weather conditions and times of day.
Calibration flights typically use specially equipped aircraft with sensitive measurement tools. These tools record data on the performance of ground-based systems, which technicians later analyze and use to make necessary adjustments.
The process ensures that all systems meet international aviation standards before the airport opens for commercial traffic. This comprehensive testing helps minimize risks and enhance overall flight safety for future operations at the new airport.
New Civil Aviation Minister Visit
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and Mr. Mohol inspected the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) construction site on July 13, 2024. Mr. Mohol confirmed the airport will open in March 2025, with construction progressing on schedule.
Adani Enterprises Limited’s subsidiary, Navi Mumbai International Airport Private Limited, leads the construction.
Minister Naidu reviewed the project status and operational readiness. Officials updated him on road, metro, and rail connectivity projects to the airport.
Senior officials from various aviation authorities attended the meeting. These included representatives from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airport Authority of India, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, CIDCO, Adani Airport Holding Limited, and the Maharashtra Government.
Key attendees were Vumlunmang Vualnam (Secretary, MOCA), Shrikant Shinde (Member of Parliament), Sanjeev Kumar (Chairman, AAI), Ravinder Singh Jamwal (Director of Operations, DGCA), Chandra Mani Pandey (Deputy Director, DGCA), Nikam Prakash Amrit (Regional Director, BCAS), and Vijay Singhal (VC and MD, CIDCO).
Minister Naidu expressed satisfaction with the NMIA project’s overall progress. This review emphasizes the government’s commitment to enhancing India’s aviation infrastructure and ensuring the timely completion of the NMIA project.
For more details on the airport, check out our exclusive article on passenger capacity, runway and terminals, modes of transport, and more updates.
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