Chennai: While the proposed IIT-Roorkie study to analyse the structural safety of the secondary runway bridge at Chennai airport is yet to begin, the main runway is posing problems for pilots, because of the high levels of rubber deposits at both ends. Rubber on the touchdown area makes it slippery—and hence unsafe.
For full-fledged maintenance of the main runway without affecting any flight schedule, the airport authorities have to depend on the secondary runway, which is awaiting clearance from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Early this week, the Airports Authority of India said it had started preparations to repair the main runway and floated tenders for the work. The runway hasn't had proper maintenance in three years and was used continuously since the secondary runway was closed for extension work.
Pilots said the touchdown zones at both ends of the main runway have high rubber deposits. "This poses a problem, especially on rainy days. Runway excursions can happen when it is wet. The AAI is delaying the maintenance work," said a senior Air India pilot. In 2007, the airport witnessed 13 runway excursions.
11/08/13 Arun Janardhanan/Times of India
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For full-fledged maintenance of the main runway without affecting any flight schedule, the airport authorities have to depend on the secondary runway, which is awaiting clearance from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Early this week, the Airports Authority of India said it had started preparations to repair the main runway and floated tenders for the work. The runway hasn't had proper maintenance in three years and was used continuously since the secondary runway was closed for extension work.
Pilots said the touchdown zones at both ends of the main runway have high rubber deposits. "This poses a problem, especially on rainy days. Runway excursions can happen when it is wet. The AAI is delaying the maintenance work," said a senior Air India pilot. In 2007, the airport witnessed 13 runway excursions.
11/08/13 Arun Janardhanan/Times of India
