CAAP says strong winds caused delay in Tagaytay radar maintenance

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Saturday attributed the delay in the maintenance of the Tagaytay radar to strong winds. (Photo: Filipino Community/Facebook)

MANILA—The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Saturday attributed the delay in the maintenance of the Tagaytay radar to strong winds.

”(The) antenna pedestal could not be lifted on top of the tower,” CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said.

It may be recalled that the CAAP earlier announced the temporary shutdown of the Tagaytay radar from March 6-11 for maintenance and upgrade.

However, the notice to airmen (NOTAM) that CAAP first issued was valid only until 6 a.m. of Saturday (March 11). CAAP has extended the NOTAM until 12 midnight.

Apolonio said that as of 10 a.m. Saturday, the antenna pedestal was put in place on top of the tower. Radar alignment procedure/calibration is in progress as of Saturday afternoon, he added.

The Tagaytay radar is among the radars used by the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

During the temporary shutdown, flights per hour were reduced. Passengers were previously advised to coordinate with airlines regarding their flight schedules.

Airlines, such as flag carrier Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, announced the flight cancellations ahead of the maintenance schedule.

Cebu Pacific had additional cancelled flights on Saturday due to the extension in the Tagaytay radar upgrade.