How do aircraft land in fog?!

Summary

This episode of the Mentor in Podcast explores the intricacies of landing aircraft in dense fog using Instrument Landing System (ILS). The host explains how ILS works, the requirements for aircraft and airports to perform autonomous landings, and the procedures involved in Category 3 landings. The discussion highlights the technical aspects, safety measures, and the rationale behind not performing automatic landings at all times due to efficiency and runway usage considerations. The episode is sponsored by Skillshare, offering a premium membership for learning various skills, including flight simulation.

Takeaways

• 🌫️ The podcast discusses how aircraft can land in dense fog using Instrument Landing System (ILS) and the conditions required for automatic landing.
• 🛫 Skillshare is highlighted as a platform offering courses on diverse topics, including aviation, with a special offer for the first five users.
• 📡 ILS uses radio signals and antennas to guide aircraft, ensuring alignment with the runway centerline and correct altitude for landing.
• 🚫 Non-precision approaches are not suitable for outer landings due to their inability to provide precise altitude information.
• ✈️ Aircraft must be specifically built and certified for automatic landings, requiring multiple systems for redundancy and safety.
• 🛈 Airports need to be certified for Category 2 or 3 approaches, which involves ensuring clear areas around ILS antennas and technical upgrades.
• 🛤️ Taxiing aircraft must avoid the critical area during low visibility procedures to prevent signal interference with ILS.
• 🔋 Technical requirements for airports include backup generators with quick switchover times to maintain ILS operation during power outages.
• 👨‍✈️ Pilots need specific training and certification for low visibility operations, including practicing Category 3 approaches every six months.
• 📱 The Mentor Aviation app offers detailed collections on flight procedures, including Category 3 approaches, for a small fee.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the podcast?

The main topic discussed in the podcast is how aircraft can land in dense fog using an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and the procedures involved in such operations.

What is Skillshare and how does it relate to the podcast?

Skillshare is an online learning community offering courses on various subjects. It is related to the podcast as it is a sponsor, and the first few listeners to use a provided link will get two months of premium membership for free.

What is an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and how does it work?

An Instrument Landing System (ILS) is a navigation aid that provides horizontal and vertical guidance to an aircraft during approach and landing. It uses radio signals from antennas near the runway to align the aircraft with the runway centerline and guide it to the correct altitude.

What are the different types of approaches mentioned in the script?

The script mentions non-precision approaches and precision approaches like ILS. Non-precision approaches help align the aircraft but do not provide altitude guidance, while ILS provides both.

Why can't all aircraft perform automatic landings?

Not all aircraft are certified for automatic landings. They must be specifically built and certified for such operations, which involves having the necessary systems and meeting certain technical requirements.

What are the requirements for an airport to be Category 3 (CAT III) approved?

For an airport to be CAT III approved, it needs to have clear sensitive areas around the antennas, backup generators with quick switchover times, and meet specific technical and calibration requirements for the ILS and other systems.

How does CAT III landing affect airport operations?

CAT III landings require less aircraft movement on the ground, leading to longer taxi times and potentially increased holding patterns. This reduces the number of aircraft that can land per hour, affecting airport efficiency.

What are the differences between Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3 approaches?

Category 1 approaches bring the aircraft down to about 200 feet above ground level, requiring the pilot to see the runway for a manual landing. Category 2 can go down to 100 feet, and Category 3 can land the aircraft automatically down to 50 feet above the runway threshold without requiring the pilot to see the runway.

Why might an aircraft perform a go-around even during a CAT III approach?

A go-around might be performed if the pilots do not have sufficient visual references to land safely, even at the low altitudes allowed during a CAT III approach. This ensures safety by aborting the landing attempt.

What is the significance of the 'flare' in the context of the podcast?

In the context of the podcast, 'flare' refers to the action of the aircraft pitching up to reduce airspeed and prepare for landing. During a CAT III approach, the aircraft initiates the flare automatically at 50 feet above the runway.