Kolkata airport to go without radar soon

Kolkata: NSC Bose Airport will miss the services of the radar for about 10 days soon.
The antenna of the radar is not functioning properly which has to be put to order. The malfunctioning of the antenna is giving split images or ghost images of the aircraft flying within the radar's range. Sometimes, the radar shows the image of an aircraft flying in a direction while it is flying altogether in a different direction. It becomes difficult for Air Traffic Control (ATC) officers to identify which one is correct.
The problem, it is learnt, started in 2003. It was at that time that a number of metal posts were erected along the perimeter wall for lighting for security reasons. Initially, it was thought that because of the increased number of metal posts such ghost images or split images were shown. But after examination it was ruled out. Water had seeped into the radar causing moisture deposition. This was later cleaned and the situation improved considerably.
Again during the past few years the ghost and split images continued to create difficulties for the ATC officers for safe monitoring of flights. A senior officer of Airports Authority of India (National Airports Division) said that one of the two motors which make the antennas function has developed problem. The problem has been identified and the spare of the motor already received. He said that officials of Bharat Electronics Limited had been contacted and the repair work would be undertaken in a few days. Since the repair is unavoidable the radar has to be shut down, according to him.
06/04/08 The Statesman

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Categories: Airports Apr 2008, Safety Apr 2008