Quote:P2 -
1) Mandatory Alternate fuel.
2) CAT III ILS (call that infrastructure or lack of)*; &
3) the BOM
(*May not be required so much, as new age technology (aircraft equipped)and flight crews are trained for MIN Viz (RVR)take-offs & landings)
Oh no. not the bogey man of CAT III and LVO - again. CASA declared all that rubbish ‘unsafe’ – years ago. Now I know the grown up aviation nations have had such things for years; that modern aircraft since about 1970 (ish) have safely used auto land with few accidents; that the simulators can train pilots in the techniques and the aircraft are well capable. Even the humble CAT II has been proven to be invaluable in the third world; but no, it’s not safe says CASA, not in Australia, we are unique – dontcha know.
Then there’s the horrendous costs – airport to be upgraded, equipment to install, approval to be gained etc.etc. Sydney airport don’t care a rats fart how many A380 have to divert due fog – could not care less; the airlines find it easier to algebraically work out the costs of diversion and simply absorb that cost through the bean counter magic and could not give a toss if 600 people have their day spoiled. CAT II is a step too far; CAT III a pipe dream and CAT IIIB is an unthinkable myth, a dream of science fiction.
Someone ask Truss – is the ‘new’ Sydney airport going to be built for CAT III operations. You know the answer – auto land is an emergency procedure only used at Perth as and when required; so the rumour goes.
I wonder how much longer we will be able to drink the water?
Toot toot.