The Hindu Business Line : `Allow airlines holding Category IIIA to land first'

The Kingfisher Airlines Chairman, Mr Vijay Mallya, has said airlines that have Category IIIA permission to land even during poor visibility should be given preference to touch down first.

"We derive no benefit even though we have the DGCA (Director General of Civil Aviation) permission to land even during poor visibility," Mr Mallya told Business Line.

He pointed out that even though his aircraft were equipped with Autoland systems which allow airplanes to land in poor visibility with far greater accuracy and reliability, they are bunched together with those which do not have such sophisticated avionics.

"If they don't do allow us to land first, what is the use for the airlines to operate better equipped aircraft," Mr Mallya said. As all new Kingfisher Airlines aircraft are equipped with such sophisticated equipment, fog-related disruptions leading to delays, cancellations and rerouting can easily be eliminated. However, except a few including the Delhi airport, not all have modern instrument landing systems which are equipped to handle those aircraft which have Category IIIA permission.

Holding pattern

He said that the air traffic control could help ease congestion if it has a separate "holding pattern" for those aircraft which have Category IIIA permission and another for those which do not have such permission. The holding pattern is similar to a line up in air for those aircraft which are about to land.

According to the airline, all new Kingfisher Airlines are equipped with Autoland systems which are capable of executing Category IIIA landings which means that the aircraft can land with runway visibility as little as 200 m and a minimum decision height of 50 ft. Category IIIB is the highest class which means that an aircraft can land with practically no visibility.

Landing categories are broken down by minimum cloud heights also known as ceiling and the amount of horizontal visibility.

Category I permission is the least demanding while Category II and III have tougher norms which includes, modern avionics, crew training and the quality of ground equipment.

To execute an Autoland, some basic requirements are needed which include keeping on board many back up systems and airlines are also required to establish procedures and practices to maintain and demonstrate continued capability to execute landings as per the certification.

More Stories on : Airlines | Climate & Weather | Standards & Benchmarks

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
First Flight begins daily service to Bangalore

Airbus may tie up with HAL

`Allow airlines holding Category IIIA to land first'

Garware Offshore to expand fleet

Diesel-powered outboard motors go on trial

Changes in pilot training planned

Bell to take part in air show

Lalu admits Rlys is easier work than Bihar

Kerala Road Safety Bill introduced

HAL eyes tie-ups with global aviation majors

SCI, other PSUs plan jt venture for dredging