Partial curfew on night flights spells relief for Vasant Kunj

New Delhi : In a major victory for Delhiites, the government has kicked in the first partial night curfew at any Indian airport to allow them to sleep in peace. The directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) on Monday banned with immediate effect any aircraft movement, both landing and take-off, at IGI's newest runway (29) between 10pm and 6am. This action was taken after complaints from residents of Vasant Kunj and other areas lying on the final approach path that they found it hard to sleep ever since the new runway became operational late last year due to low flying planes making huge noise.
Moreover, the DGCA has also asked pilots to avoid using thrust reversers from 8pm to 10pm while landing. This technique is used to reverse airflow of engines soon after landing to slow down aircraft and minimize stopping distance. The sudden change of airflow causes a noise blast and was causing problems to people living near the newest runway. Now, pilots are being advised to do so only when must.
On Monday, the DGCA issued the circular and notice to airmen in this regard. With this, runway 28 IGI's most trusted warhorse will be used for all landing and take-off from 10pm to 6am. Runway 27, the airport's smallest airstrip that is closest to Dwarka, will not be used for some time as it is being closed for major technological upgrade.
The aviation ministry had decided to close runway 29 at night about two months back.
26/05/09 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: Airports May 2009