GEORGE NEWS - George Airport is one of a number of airports in South Africa where the use of some air navigation systems has been suspended by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (Sacaa).
These systems are typically used to safely land aircraft in cloudy weather.
This is apparently as a result of required routine surveys not having been executed.
Sacaa said in a media release dated 24 March that the *International Civil Aviation Organisation (Icao) has been conducting a 12-day universal safety oversight audit programme (USOAP) and continuous monitoring approach (CMA) audit of South Africa's civil aviation safety system and oversight capabilities. The audit concluded on 3 April.
More information could not be obtained from Sacaa before going to print.
According to an extract from a notice pertaining to George Airport (supplied to George Herald by an industry insider), its ILS 29 (instrument landing system), VOR 29 (radio navigation system) and VOR 11 have been "indefinitely suspended". East London, Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein are among the airports affected by suspensions.
In a statement dated 31 March, the Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) said it has engaged with Sacaa since 30 March to address audit findings raised against the state company. It submitted the required mitigation measures to Sacaa and these were approved. "ATNS is continuing with the submission of corrective action plans," it said.
According to a local private pilot who wishes to remain anonymous, the situation has far-reaching repercussions for air travellers, especially going into winter when low clouds are a more regular occurrence. "If you do not see the runway, you cannot land without the navigation systems. So if you are waiting at George Airport to fly to Johannesburg and the incoming flight that has to take you there cannot land, you are stranded." According to News24, delays have been experienced at various airports in the country where non-compliance was identified during the audit.
George Airport has not responded to a query regarding the effects of the suspension.
ATNS said it regrets the inconvenience caused, especially to the aviation community, but that passenger safety is priority.
Some parts of the air navigation systems at George Airport have been suspended indefinitely.
*Icao is a specialised agency of the United Nations that promotes the safe civil aviation.
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