12 Wing to get radar system for air traffic

Chandigarh: The 12 Wing Air Force Station is one of the Indian Air Force (IAF) stations in India that is in line to get radar systems for the Air Traffic Control (ATC). The station, which also caters to civilian air traffic, does not have a radar yet for air traffic management. Though the Air Force Station has a defence radar cover, air traffic is maintained with the help of procedural controls between the pilots and the ATC.
With an increase in air traffic and keeping in mind future requirements, both civilian and defence, the need for radar systems has been realised at the highest level of decision making in the IAF, an official said. The acquisition process for the new radar, however, is likely to take a year, he added. All IAF fighter plane bases have the air traffic control radar.
The 12 Wing is primarily a transport aircraft base and is responsible for the maintenance of Ladakh region, transporting men and material. It also operates emergency flights between Jammu and Srinagar during winters when the road connecting the two cities is blocked.
The ATC at the air force station is also responsible for managing civilian air traffic. On an average there are five civilian flights at the station, said Suneel Dutta, Chandigarh Airport Controller.
23/04/07 Munieshwer A Sagar/Chandigarh Newsline

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Categories: Airports Apr 2007, Safety Apr 2007