The government has mooted the idea of installation of satellite phones in aircraft cockpits as an emergency communication device between the air traffic control (ATC) and pilots in case of any breakdown of surface radars, electricity failure or breakdown in VHF battery-operated equipment operated by the Air-Traffic Control (ATC).
Government sources said on Wednesday that the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) would explore the idea and seek feedback from airlines. The suggestion was made during deliberations among officials at a civil aviation ministry meeting on Wednesday to review the functioning of the state-run Airports Authority of India (AAI). Ministry officials expressed concern at a recent incident at Mumbai airport wherein there was disruption in the functioning of radars on account of electricity failure and cable-faults following which air traffic controllers kept in touch with pilots through the VHF equipment.
Sources said should such a situation ever arise where there is breakdown of communication between the ATC and pilots, satellite phones in cockpits can act as a life-saver since this will ensure that the pilots can remain in touch with the ATC at all times. This will also involve presence of satellite phones in all ATC towers.
The civil aviation ministry also suggested that alternate power cables be in place at airports across the country to ensure continued electricity supply in the event of a fault in the main power cables.
At the meeting on Monday, several other suggestions and issues were also discussed to ensure air-safety standards. These were timely checks of friction co-efficients at runways across the country ahead of the monsoon season, rating of major AAI airports by a reputed international rating agency, having sand wall barriers beyond runways at 11 “critical” airports in the country and accountability on the part of AAI personnel in case of any lapses.