Government takes measures to ensure the smooth air traffic during winter

The Government is undertaking a number of measures to ensure the smooth movement of air traffic during the winter months. The Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Praful Patel of some of the major steps being taken in this direction:
· The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued guidelines for aircraft operations during low visibility conditions prevailing during winter, and has drawn up the schedule of airlines during the low visibility period taking into consideration the number of CAT-II/III trained pilots available with the airlines.
* The Airport Operator has introduced new taxiways, is commissioning additional parking stands, new generation ‘follow-me’ vehicles with high intensity flashing lights, RT sets for communication etc. to facilitate operations during low visibility conditions. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has reviewed the preparedness of all airlines and airport operators for low visibility operation on 9th November 2006.
* The Minister also informed that in the domestic sector, only Indian Airlines Ltd. has trained its pilots for CAT-III operations. Out of 683 Pilots (including trainees), Indian Airlines has approved 146 (21.37%) Pilots for CAT -III operations.
It is for the respective Airline Operator to train their pilots for ILS CAT-II/III operations as per their requirements. However, Airline Operators are persuaded from time to time to train their pilots for ILS CAT-II/III operations.
23/11/06 Press Information Bureau (press release)

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