RNP AR to be installed at GBIA to solve visibility problem

KATHMANDU, Nov 16:The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is going to set up the Required Navigation Performance Authorization Required (RNP AR) system at Gautam Buddha International Airport within a month and a half to enhance flight efficiency.

CAAN plans to deploy the RNP AR system as an alternative to the instrument landing system (ILS), allowing foreign flights to land with an 800-meter visibility.

A CAAN employee stated that the CAAN is prepared to request approval from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) within a month.

"To operate the RNP AR system, we will need to issue an international notice. "We will get approval from ICAO within the next month," he stated. Testing the RNP-AR method, like the calibration flight, necessitates the use of a specially designed vessel. Because there is no such plane in Nepal, plans are being made to conduct a validation flight by bringing one from abroad. Ground inspection will be performed after the aircraft arrives from abroad.

Bhairahawa Airport's visibility decreases over the winter. CAAN aims to use the RNP AR system to prevent aircraft disruptions due to visibility. CAAN plans to use satellite technology with its own funds.

Bhairahawa Airport presently uses a Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range Station (VOR) system. Landing requires a minimum of 1,800 meters of sight.

'Once RNP AR is operational, the problem of aircraft being unable to land due to fog in the winter will be solved,' said the CAAN employee.'Once RNP AR is operational, the problem of aircraft being unable to land due to fog in the winter will be solved,' said the CAAN employee. 'The implementation of this technology will benefit both domestic and international commercial aircraft.'

To activate the RNP AR system, the appropriate devices must be installed on the aircraft. For RNP-AR operations, the authorities should train the ATC staff who prepare flight procedures and issue landing instructions. Airlines that want to employ this method must seek special permission from their country's regulatory authorities. Pilots should also receive additional instruction. This technology requires pilot and aircraft training, as well as equipment certification.

Pilots and ATC workers who conduct aircraft landings must have practice simulator training. Flight simulator training is a sort of flight instruction in which you operate a computerized system using specialized technology rather than flying an actual aircraft. The purpose of this training is to teach the pilot how to land the aircraft in a variety of flight scenarios, including weather changes, technical issues, and emergency situations. After completing the operation, the can is opened for landing using this manner. According to CAAN employee, the simulator training in Kathmandu is inadequate. For Bhairahawa, airline and airport personnel should receive separate simulator training.

The installation of Instrument Landing System (ILS) technology at this airport enables planes to land with 600 meters of visibility. However, India has refused to approve ILS operations at Gautam Buddha International Airport, citing the impact on its airspace.