Tuesday May 15, 2018 Published in Local
A $2 million project to install a new instrument landing system (ILS) project for both runways (east and west) at Rarotonga International Airport is running “pretty much” to schedule, despite the bad weather.
An Airport Authority spokesman said yesterday that the new equipment was scheduled to be commissioned between June 18-22.
“A calibration inspection flight will be coming up (from New Zealand) to carry out this process to ensure the equipment is tested and functioning properly before being used by aircraft,” the spokesman said.
“The main benefits of upgrading this system is to ensure the safety of arriving aircraft landing Rarotonga, in particular during adverse weather conditions.
“The current ILS system has been operating for more than 35 years and has pretty much become obsolete. Faults on the current equipment are more frequent now due to its age and it is extremely hard to source spare parts to keep it running.
“The new system will provide better accuracy, more reliability and ensure better safety.”
The new system was the same as the one that airports around the world including New Zealand, Australia and the US had upgraded to, the spokesman added.
– Release/CS
