Flights delayed again

New Delhi: The “glide slope” or “glide path” — a kind of radio beacon that guides the airplane to align with the runway and is essential for landing — has not been functioning properly for the last three days at the airport.
More than 80 per cent flights were delayed for several hours and at least five flights had to be diverted. The problem started at 7.23 am when the runway visibility dipped to 1,200 metres. The safeguard procedures were initiated but the low-visibility procedures that are required for foggy conditions were not in place. As the visibility improved only after noon, low-visibility landings couldn’t take place smoothly for nearly five hours.
For all types of CAT landings, a glide slope is essential. The runway has visual approach indicator and precision approach path indicator, but the pilot cannot see them when visibility drops. The glide slope becomes essential in such a condition.
11/01/08 Delhi Newsline

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Categories: Airports Jan 2008