asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if there are any plans to upgrade the facilities at Dublin Airport to enable aircraft to use automatic landing equipment in foggy conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Dublin Airport Landing Facilities.
45.
The standard landing aid used throughout the world at present is the Instrument Landing System.
ILS systems have three operating categories, each defined by reference to the weather conditions in which landings are possible. Category 1 allows landings when the ceiling is at 200 feet, Category 2 allows landings at 100 feet and Category 3 allows landings at zero ceiling. To use the system, aircraft must, of course, carry the necessary complementary equipment and the crews must have appropriate training and experience.
Dublin Airport has three ILS systems. At present all three systems operate to Category 1 level. From autumn 1990, the ILS system on the new runway will operate to Category 3 level.