Thiruvananthapuram: The delay in installing an approach radar at the Cochin international airport is affecting the landing of aircraft during peak hours and burning a hole in airlines’ pocket through high fuel bills.
Delayed landing is a problem passengers to Kochi are facing over the years and an approach radar will solve the issue as it can avoid procedural delays, aviation sources told The Hindu.
A flight is made to hover around Kochi for over 15 minutes during peak hours before getting clearance for landing, which is a security risk as there may be many aircraft in the vicinity.
As the Western Ghats is in close proximity to the approach way, an approach radar can help the Air Traffic Control tower guide the commander to descend the aircraft. At present, at the Nedumbassery airport, the commander is in charge of the process.
The sources said an approach radar would keep the control tower in constant touch with the pilot.
A medium aircraft hovering for 15 minutes will burn 1,000 kg of aviation turbine fuel. The airline companies stand to save lakhs of rupees in fuel and operational cost if the flights are provided immediate clearance to land.
21/10/12 S. Anil Radhakrishnan/The HIndu
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Delayed landing is a problem passengers to Kochi are facing over the years and an approach radar will solve the issue as it can avoid procedural delays, aviation sources told The Hindu.
A flight is made to hover around Kochi for over 15 minutes during peak hours before getting clearance for landing, which is a security risk as there may be many aircraft in the vicinity.
As the Western Ghats is in close proximity to the approach way, an approach radar can help the Air Traffic Control tower guide the commander to descend the aircraft. At present, at the Nedumbassery airport, the commander is in charge of the process.
The sources said an approach radar would keep the control tower in constant touch with the pilot.
A medium aircraft hovering for 15 minutes will burn 1,000 kg of aviation turbine fuel. The airline companies stand to save lakhs of rupees in fuel and operational cost if the flights are provided immediate clearance to land.
21/10/12 S. Anil Radhakrishnan/The HIndu
