"Breach of standard separation; Not near air collision"

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) investigating into the near air collision of the special aircraft carrying UPA chairperson, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, and a Virgin Atlantic flight has revealed that the incident took place due to breach of standard separation and was not a near air collision.
The civil aviation minister, Mr Praful Patel, told the Lok Sabha today that the DGCA had issued civil aviation requirements making it mandatory for aircraft to install Airborne Collision Avoidance system (ACAS) from January 2003, which enables the pilot to have a position picture of all aircraft in his vicinity and their reference height and distance from his aircraft.
Mr Patel said it also guides the pilot to take evasive action whenever any aircraft comes in proximity to his aircraft.
Non-RVSM aircraft have been restricted to flying in RVSM airspace above 29,000 feet. Flexible use of airspace to reduce traffic congestion has also been implemented. Apart from these, several new measures are also being initiated.
22/11/07 The Statesman

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Categories: Airports Nov 2007, Foreign Nov 2007, Safety Nov 2007