Tagaytay radar now fully operational –CAAP

The radar is now back to normal operations. It may be recalled that the number of flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) was reduced from 40 to 32 flights per hour during the maintenance period. (Photo: Lady May Pamintuan/ Flickr)

MANILA–The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) lifted at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday the notice to airmen (NOTAM) on the temporary shut down of Tagaytay radar operations for maintenance and upgrade from March 6 to 11.

The radar is now back to normal operations. It may be recalled that the number of flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) was reduced from 40 to 32 flights per hour during the maintenance period.

CAAP Deputy Director General for Operations Manuel Antonio Tamayo assured the public that the country’s aviation regulator is doing its best to provide safe, secure and convenient air travel for everybody.

Tamayo acknowledged the effort of aviation stakeholders, airline operators and the management of Manila International Airport and Clark International Airport, whose efforts contributed to the positive process of Tagaytay radar maintenance.

Tagaytay radar is one of the three radars being utilize by CAAP in guiding flights approaching airports at NAIA and Clark.

CAAP said the repair covered the overhauling of antenna and replacement of its drive motor and rotary joint.

“The repair is necessary as Tagaytay radar will be integrated with the satellite-based Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) systems the we will launch soon,” explained CAAP.

CNS/ATM system enable aircraft operators to meet their planned departure and arrival schedules, and adhere to their preferred flight profiles with minimum constraints, without compromising agreed levels of safety.

The system also aims to improve the handling and transfer of information, extend surveillance and improve navigational accuracy that will lead increased airspace capacity and achieve reduced flight operating costs and delays.

The PHP9-billion Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) assisted CNS/ATM facility will be turned over by main contractor Sumitomo-Thales JV to CAAP management by July

Once fully operational, CAAP said the facility can monitor 80 percent of the Manila Flight Information Region assigned by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).