Source: The post is based on the article “Advanced landing systems cut flight delays, but come at a cost” published in “The Hindu” on 4th March 2024
What is the News?
Recent flight delays in India due to adverse weather conditions have raised concerns about the adequacy of existing Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and the deployment of advanced technologies at major airports.
About Instrument Landing System (ILS)
1. ILS is a standard precision landing aid established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
2. Currently, only six international airports in India have CAT III B landing facilities. This involves Delhi, Jaipur, Amritsar, Kolkata, Lucknow and Bengaluru.
3. Significance: Despite the development of competing systems like ground-controlled approach (GCA) and microwave landing system (MLS), the ILS remains widely used.
a) It is used to provide accurate lateral and vertical guidance to aircraft for landing on the runway under normal or adverse weather conditions.
b) There is need for advanced ILS in airports which traditionally not facing the fog problems, but report visibility challenges due to increased pollution (or smog).
4. Drawback: Despite being a proven system, ILS have few drawbacks:
a) Installing and maintaining ILS system is costly.
b) Advanced [CAT II or CAT III] ILS installation also requires airlines to invest in the training and certification of their pilots for specific technologies while disrupting their rostering schedules.
About Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground (ALG)
1. About: The Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) expansion project is currently underway in eastern Ladakh.
2. Significance: This project involves extending the runway at Nyoma to over 9,000 feet, making it capable of accommodating fighter jets and enhancing the Indian Air Force’s operational capabilities in the region.
The expansion is significant because Nyoma ALG is strategically located near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh which is an area of strategic importance. It provides India with improved infrastructure and operational readiness along the border.
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