Question : INSTALLATION OF CAT-3B AT AIRPORTS

(a) whether the Government is now planning to make it mandatory for all domestic airlines to get their pilots trained to operate flights during dense fog using the CAT-3B landing assistance system;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the instructions issued to the domestic airlines;

(c) the response of the domestic airlines thereto;

(d) the names of the airports where CAT-3B system has been installed so far;

(e) the time by which this system is likely to be installed at all airports which are affected heavily by fog; and

(f) the expenditure incurred/proposed to be incurred for upgradation to the CAT-3B system and training of pilots in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )

(a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) :- A statement is laid on the table of the Sabha.

STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA IN REPLY TO STARRED QUESTION NO. 326 DATED 15.12.2005 REGARDING INSTALLATION OF CAT-3B AT AIRPORTS.

(a), (b) and (c) : Director General of Civil (DGCA) has been asked to examine the technical and legal aspects in this regard. However, various scheduled airlines are asked from time to time to train their pilots for using the ILS CAT-II/III system. It is also insisted upon airlines to have their Training Captains authorized/trained for CAT-II/III operations so that they, in turn, can train maximum number of pilots CAT-II/III operations to improve operational efficiency during poor visibility conditions. So far, 61 pilots of Air India and 87 pilots of Indian Airlines have been trained and approved by DGCA for CAT-III-A and B operations.

(d) and (e):- There is no proposal for installation of CAT III-B ILS at any airport except Delhi. While CAT-III-A system is already operational at Delhi airport, equipment for upgrading to CAT-III-B system has been installed. Testing and trial operations of the system are in progress, following which it will be made operational.

(f):- The expected expenditure in installation of the system at Delhi airport is Rs.11.89 crores. The cost of ILS Cat-II and Cat-IIIB training is approximately Rs.2.52 lakhs per head.