Obstacle Removal Clears Path for BPIA's Critical ILS CAT-2 Upgrade

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has completed a major tree cutting and pruning operation near Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA).

This action directly addresses long-standing aircraft obstacle clearance issues. The work was performed along key stretches identified for the safety of aircraft. These areas are critical during both landing and takeoff phases.

Obstruction Removal and Regulatory Compliance

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation tree cutting targeted specific locations. These included Baramunda village and areas near the Nilakantha Temple. The airport had repeatedly flagged these concerns to the civic body for several months.

Coconut trees were a primary source of obstruction. They posed a threat to flights approaching the Jagamara-Khandagiri end of the runway.

Airport officials noted a significant bird strike risk mitigation benefit. Trees attract birds that can fly high enough to hit aircraft. Such impacts can damage the nose, fuselage, windshield, or engine. This poses a potential danger to the aircraft and passengers.

This removal aligns with the Safeguarding of Airport Operations Rules. These rules mandate height restrictions for structures and vegetation near aerodromes.

Impact on ILS CAT-2 Approval

The most significant impact relates to airport infrastructure upgrades. The obstructions had halted the operationalization of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) Category-2 (CAT-2).

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had put the DGCA ILS CAT-2 approval on hold. They took a serious view of the obstacles infringing upon the obstacle-free zone (OFZ).

ILS CAT-2 is vital for low visibility operations at the airport. Its activation will allow aircraft to land safely with a Runway Visual Range (RVR) as low as 300 meters. This is a major improvement over the current Category-1 system. The upgrade will reduce flight delays and diversions, especially during poor weather.

BPIA Director Prasanna Pradhan confirmed the tree pruning was a much-needed task. The airport had made alternative technical arrangements for CAT-2 workability. However, the physical removal of obstacles is a major step forward.

Remaining Challenges for Aerodrome Safety

While the tree issue is largely resolved, other challenges remain. An unauthorised market building near the airport still stands. The BMC has yet to decide on the demolition of this structure.

Such unauthorized structures continue to threaten the Biju Patnaik International Airport safety. They require further enforcement action by the civic body. This ongoing issue is a focus for commercial aviation news and safety regulators. For more updates on flight operations, visit flying.flights.

Key Takeaways:

• BMC completed the critical tree cutting near BPIA's approach path on Tuesday.
• The action was necessary to clear the obstacle-free zone and mitigate bird strike risk.
• Obstruction removal is expected to pave the way for DGCA approval of the ILS CAT-2 system.
• ILS CAT-2 will significantly improve the airport's capability for low visibility operations (RVR down to 300m).