Airservices upgrades navigational equipment at Alice Springs
20-06-2012 -Airservices Australia, the nation's air navigation services provider, will this week begin essential upgrade works on the instrument landing system (ILS) at Alice Springs Airport as part of a major enhancement of such technology nationally.
ILS is a course-forming radio navigation aid that supports the safe and efficient movement of air traffic into and out of the airport, particularly during low visibility and bad weather conditions. It allows aircraft to land at an airport where there is poor weather or low visibility by guiding pilots to the runway.
The first phase of work to replace the 18-year-old ILS on runway 12 will begin on 20 June, with the new ILS brought into service by mid to late September.
Airservices Manager Facilities Management Services, Dan Galazowski, said that the $2 million upgrade and maintenance work had been timed to ensure minimal disruption to the travelling public.
"ILS is a highly accurate means for pilots to navigate to the runway when visibility is reduced. We have therefore planned this work to occur when weather conditions are generally most favourable," Mr Galazowski said.
"The timing also means that the upgrade will be completed before the onset of the wet season and when demand from airlines for use of the ILS traditionally peaks."
The replacement of the ILS will improve safety and ensure that extended and uncontrolled outages are kept to a minimum in future.
The upgrade includes replacing the two key transmitters of the system - the glide path tower and localiser array. These transmitters ensure that the aircraft is within the lateral and vertical parameters for the runway being used during an approach.
The ILS at Alice Springs Airport is one of 23 instrument landing systems used nationally for precision approaches at Australian airports.
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