Why are flights with CAT III systems prioritized during fog?

Question

Accepted Answer

Flights Equipped with CAT III Navigation Systems are Prioritised During Fog Due to Enhanced Landing Capabilities

Flights equipped with the CAT III navigation system are prioritised during periods of dense fog because this technology enables aircraft to land safely even with extremely low visibility. This system is crucial for maintaining airport operations when visibility conditions, such as those at Delhi's main airport where it was recorded between zero to 100 metres, significantly impair the pilot's ability to see the runway. Without such advanced systems, flights would face considerable delays or cancellations.
Understanding CAT III Navigation Systems

The CAT III navigation system refers to a set of standards defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for instrument landing systems. Specifically, CAT III allows for landings in very low visibility conditions, often down to near zero visibility. This is achieved through a combination of precise ground-based equipment and sophisticated onboard avionics that guide the aircraft automatically or provide enhanced guidance to the pilot, enabling a safe touchdown when visual cues are minimal or absent.
Operational Impact of Low Visibility

Dense fog significantly impacts air traffic control and flight operations. Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, which handles approximately 1,400 flights daily, experienced flight departure delays due to fog. Airport authorities specifically warned that flights not equipped with CAT III capabilities would encounter difficulties, highlighting the system's importance in ensuring continued operations during adverse weather.
Maintaining Flight Schedules Amidst Fog

The prioritisation of CAT III equipped flights is a measure to mitigate the widespread disruption caused by fog. While many flights might be grounded or delayed due to poor visibility, aircraft possessing the necessary technology can still operate. This helps in maintaining a degree of normalcy in flight schedules, even though some delays are unavoidable, as indicated by IndiGo, the country's largest airline, acknowledging potential delays due to low visibility.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Why are flights with CAT III systems prioritized during fog?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends