B-360 Aircraft Receives a Grand Welcome at Vadodara Airport

A Grand Arrival for B-360 Aircraft

In a spectacular display of celebration and pride, the newly inducted B-360 aircraft, with the registration VT-FIS, received a water cannon salute as it made its inaugural landing at Vadodara Airport. This momentous occasion marked the beginning of its mission, which involves flight calibration of Navigational Aids. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) shared this remarkable event, stating that the aircraft was accorded the customary Water Cannon Salute upon its arrival at the airport.

Expanding the Flight Inspection Fleet

On September 18, the AAI bolstered its Flight Inspection fleet by adding two state-of-the-art B-360 aircraft, bearing the registrations VT-FIS and VT-CNS. This significant enhancement came at a total cost of Rs 224 Crore. With these new additions, the AAI is now well-equipped to conduct timely flight calibration of Ground Radio Navigational systems across all airports in the country.

Enhancing Air Navigation Services

The introduction of these B-360 aircraft represents a major step forward for AAI in terms of enhancing Air Navigation Services (ANS). These aircraft will play a pivotal role in validating ANS procedures, and they are expected to generate revenue by conducting flight calibrations in neighboring countries.

Flag-Off Ceremony by Union Minister

The formal induction of the two new aircraft into active flight calibration service was initiated by Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, in a ceremony held at Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi. This event underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing and improving aviation infrastructure and services.

Versatility in Calibration

The B-360 aircraft will serve a multifaceted role in calibration activities. They will be responsible for calibrating Category I, II, and III Instrument Landing Systems, DVORs, DME, NDB, Radar, GBAS, PAPI, TACAN, and more. Furthermore, they will validate the RNP (Required Navigation Performance) and LPV (Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance) procedures, as well as Instrument Approach Letdown procedures for DVOR/DME and ILS (Instrument Landing System).

The arrival of these advanced B-360 aircraft represents a significant milestone in the modernization and improvement of aviation services in India, ensuring safer and more efficient air travel for all.