MUMBAI- The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to welcome its first aircraft on October 31, 2024, marking a significant milestone after numerous delays and deadline extensions.
This initial landing will be conducted on a trial basis, focusing on testing and calibrating the airport’s critical systems.
Navi Mumbai Airport First Flight
Central to this trial is the commissioning of the Instrument Landing System (ILS), a crucial component for ensuring the airport’s operational readiness. The ILS plays a vital role in guiding aircraft safely to the runway, especially during challenging weather conditions, Free Press Journal Reported.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) attempted to test the ILS last month but faced setbacks due to adverse weather conditions and persistent rainfall. Undeterred, the AAI has rescheduled the testing to begin on August 12. This testing phase is essential for calibrating the flight path and ensuring the system’s accuracy and reliability, We (Aviation A2Z) reported.
Following the completion of ILS testing, the AAI will compile and submit a comprehensive report. This document will serve as a foundation for subsequent processes required to make the runway fully operational. The airport authorities must conduct additional tests and secure various permissions before the runway can be declared ready for regular flights.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and Mr. Mohol visited and inspected the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) construction site on July 13, 2024.
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.
The Instrument Landing System (ILS) plays a crucial role in the airport’s readiness. This precision approach aid uses two radio beams to guide pilots during landing. The localizer component ensures lateral alignment with the runway’s centerline, while the glide path component provides vertical guidance on altitude.
NMIA recently achieved a significant milestone in establishing its global identity. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has assigned ‘NMI‘ as the official location code for Navi Mumbai International Airport Pvt. Ltd. (NMIAL). This three-letter code is essential for identifying destinations and facilitating commercial airline traffic documents.
Phase 1 is expected to be completed by December 2024, and NMIA is expected to launch commercial operations by March 31, 2025.
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