Mangaluru: A video showing an aircraft flying at a very low altitude in the district went viral, triggering rumours and speculation among the public, especially against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, authorities clarified that the flight is part of a scientific survey and there is no cause for alarm.According to official sources, the low-altitude flight is linked to an airborne geophysical survey being conducted for the Geological Survey of India (GSI). The project is being carried out by a non-scheduled operator using Cessna Caravan 208B aircraft, engaged by Xcalibur McPhar Private Limited to identify potential mineral deposits in areas classified as having Obvious Geological Potential (OGP).
The multi-sensor airborne geophysical survey includes magnetic gradiometers and radiometer sensors, which require aircraft to fly at low altitudes for accurate data collection. For this purpose, foreign-registered aircraft operated by Xcalibur Aviation (Australia) Private Limited are being used under a wet lease arrangement by Himalayan Heli Services Limited. The operation is duly authorised by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).Two aircraft are being deployed for the survey across various districts of Karnataka. The operations will continue until July 31, with Mangaluru and Shivamogga airports serving as the base stations.Officials said that prolonged low-level flying across different parts of the state is expected during the survey period and urged the public not to panic or spread misinformation, assuring that the activity is purely scientific and fully approved by aviation authorities.
