WORK has started to replace an ageing navigation aid that helps pilots land at Jersey Airport.
One of the Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), which is used by planes arriving from the east of the Island, is reaching the end of its useful life.
The system, which helps pilots land their aircraft safely by transmitting guidance signals on their approach to the runway, has been in place for 19 years – exceeding the 12 to 15 years that it is meant to last.
Paul Strudwick, head of air navigation services, said: ‘The replacement of the 26 ILS will ensure we can continue to offer a reliable ground-based navigation service for several more years. The new system will provide guidance to aircraft in poor visibility in the same way as the current equipment. While the work is under way and when the wind does not allow the use of runway 08 [used by aircraft coming in from the west], pilots will land using primarily visual or LPV 200 Satellite based approaches.’
The new system should be in service by the end of May.
The ILS for the runway serving planes arriving from the west is not yet due to be replaced. Some of the spares from the system that is being replaced will be kept for use on the other ILS until it is due for updating or superseded by newer technology.
