DGCA and IndiGo conduct validation flight of RNP-AR procedure at Kathmandu airport
NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday successfully conducted a validation flight of the RNP-AR procedure at Kathmandu Airport.
“A successful conduct of VNKT RNP Z RWY 02 (AR) flight by IndiGo on Airbus A320 aircraft (VT-ISQ) at Kathmandu was done making it the first validation flight conducted by the regulator DGCA of RNP AR procedure.Indigo successfully conducted its first flight utilising the required navigation performance with authorisation required (RNP AR) approach on an A 320 aircraft (on Aug 4). An all-women Inspectors team from DGCA and Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal were on board to oversee the validation flight,” the DGAC said in a statement.
“The key benefits emanating from the successful validation of this RNP-AR procedure would include: increased safety in complex environments; enhanced operational efficiency; lower fuel burn and reduced carbon footprint and financial savings through minimised crew and flight time losses. This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort between the regulator DGCA and the airline, paving the way for other operators to seek qualification and approval through the established process. This approval underlines DGCA’s commitment to advancing aviation safety standards and operational excellence, ensuring safer and more efficient flights at one of the world’s most demanding critical airports,” the statement added.
The RNP AR approach offers several advantages, including enhanced safety through greater precision accuracy and more stabilised approach. It reduces operational inefficiencies, such as the need for multiple step-downs in non-precision approaches, and lowers the landing minima. Pilots must undergo specialised simulator training to operate and conduct RNP AR approaches, and the aircraft must be properly equipped and capable of executing this advanced approach.
“A successful conduct of VNKT RNP Z RWY 02 (AR) flight by IndiGo on Airbus A320 aircraft (VT-ISQ) at Kathmandu was done making it the first validation flight conducted by the regulator DGCA of RNP AR procedure.Indigo successfully conducted its first flight utilising the required navigation performance with authorisation required (RNP AR) approach on an A 320 aircraft (on Aug 4). An all-women Inspectors team from DGCA and Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal were on board to oversee the validation flight,” the DGAC said in a statement.
“The key benefits emanating from the successful validation of this RNP-AR procedure would include: increased safety in complex environments; enhanced operational efficiency; lower fuel burn and reduced carbon footprint and financial savings through minimised crew and flight time losses. This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort between the regulator DGCA and the airline, paving the way for other operators to seek qualification and approval through the established process. This approval underlines DGCA’s commitment to advancing aviation safety standards and operational excellence, ensuring safer and more efficient flights at one of the world’s most demanding critical airports,” the statement added.
The RNP AR approach offers several advantages, including enhanced safety through greater precision accuracy and more stabilised approach. It reduces operational inefficiencies, such as the need for multiple step-downs in non-precision approaches, and lowers the landing minima. Pilots must undergo specialised simulator training to operate and conduct RNP AR approaches, and the aircraft must be properly equipped and capable of executing this advanced approach.
