DGCA and IndiGo conduct first RNP AR validation flight for challenging terrains at Kathmandu airport

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and IndiGo on Wednesday successfully conducted validation flight of Required Navigation Process (RNP) Authorization Required procedure at Kathmandu Airport.

RNP Authorization Required (AR) approaches are a type of navigation guidance used for landing at airports with challenging terrain or environmental conditions.

DGCA informed that a successful approach was done by an IndiGo A 320 aircraft. "A successful Conduct of VNKT RNP Z RWY 02 (AR) Flight by IndiGo on A320 Aircraft VT-ISQ on Wednesday at Kathmandu was done making it the first validation flight conducted by the regulator DGCA of RNP AR procedure." said DGCA.

IndiGo successfully conducted its first flight utilising the Required Navigation Performance with Authorization Required (RNP AR) approach on an A320 aircraft.

An all women Inspectors team from DGCA and Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal were on board to oversee the validation flight.

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.
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, Financial savings through minimized crew and flight time losses.

DGCA has called this achievement as 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.