DGCA to engage AAI in CNS, ATM systems

To tide over the manpower shortage in critical departments at airports, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will engage the services of trained personnel from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to carry out safety over-sight functions. The two departments, where this is proposed to be done are the Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) and Air Traffic Management (ATM) at airports pan-India.
Presently, the Aerodrome Standard Directorate, a part of the DGCA, performs these functions. This would, however, be interim DGCA said, in a draft circular, adding that “the seconded inspectors will also assist DGCA in the preparations of guidelines, checklists and other associate works.”
The seconded CNS inspectors will have the powers to carry out periodic inspection and surveillance of the aeronautical telecommunication stations to ensure that the performance and maintenance of the CNS equipment is in accordance with the stipulated guidelines, the DGCA said.
Besides, commissioning of the CNS, the inspectors would also assist the Directorate of Airspace and Air Traffic Management in the DGCA for certification and formulation of related regulation and guidance material amongst others, the draft circular said.
The ATM inspectors would 'oversight' all matters related to licensing of Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs) as also with matters relating to airspace management like navigation procedures for ATS route, performance-based navigation procedures and terminal Instrument Approach Landing (IAL) procedures, among others.
However, according to an AAI official, the DGCA decision to engage AAI personnel could lead to more short fall in the numbers of CNS/ATM officials within the undertaking.
13/02/09 Times Now.com

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Categories: Safety Feb 2009