He ILS Category III B system for landings low visibility will begin to be operated in the Carrasco International Airport since early Friday morning, confirmed The Observer with sources from the Association of Air Traffic Controllers of Uruguay (ACTAU).
After a meeting with the National Directorate of Civil Aviation and Aeronautical Infrastructure (Dinacia) and the Ministry of National Defense, ACTAU sources indicated that the authorities recognized some of the technical observations raised by the union and assumed commitments to reinforce operations. which will allow its use from the next few days with certain restrictions.
During the meeting, one of the main points addressed was the collective demand for a increased staffing to operate the system.
The union explained that, based on simulations carried out recently, the authorities agreed that requires a minimum of three drivers per shift for proper use.
Regarding the immediate coverage of these shifts, the union indicated that this will depend mainly on the performance of overtime, while other medium-term solutions are analyzed, such as transfer and authorization of personnel from other airports.
ACTAU also maintained that there are still pending aspects regarding trainingespecially for approach personnel. In this context, they indicated that the planned implementation will be partial and with operational restrictions aimed at preserving security levels.
The system will only serve for the arrival of aircraft and there will be limitations on the number of aircraft that can operate under low visibility conditions. As indicated to this medium, the scheme being evaluated would allow the arrival of a plane approximately every 20 minutes.
The association insisted that the proposals made by the association do not respond to salary or union demands, but to strictly technical considerations linked to operational safety.
“The issue of overtime is not that we are claiming extra hours, is that it is the only way to cover the shifts“said the leader of ACTAU, Andrés Martínez, in dialogue with The Observer.
According to what was discussed at the meeting, the implementation of the system would begin during the early hours of Friday. However, they clarified that this will be subject to compliance with the conditions agreed with the authorities.
The group finally pointed out that ACTAU’s objective was always for the system to come into operation, but under conditions that allow adequate safety standards to be maintained.
“Our desire from minute one was for this to happen.but that it worked in the best possible way and with acceptable levels of security,” Martínez stated.
