Aviation Authority addresses false claims about air travel

THE South African Civil Aviation Authority’s (SACAA) has dismissed false reports that aviation activities in South Africa are about to come to a screeching halt.

The reports suggest that the Instrument Landing System (ILS) is expiring at some airports.

In a statement, SACAA, said ILS is a ground-based navigational instrument system that provides guidance to an aircraft  approaching or landing on a runway during inclement weather that affects visibility.

“Regulated safety protocols require that when an Instrument Landing System is not functioning, or its certification had expired, the affected airport must be downgraded to a lower instrument usage level,” read the statement.

Also read: Beware of fake job scams, warns King Shaka Airport

King Shaka International Airport has been downgraded to a lower instrument eteorological usage level as a result of two ILS’s being switched-off.

“King Shaka International Airport is fully operational despite two landing systems being switched off. The airport has been downgraded and a notice to pilots has been sent out so that piolts can be fully aware of the state of the airport when they plan their flights,” said Phindiwe Gwebu, Executive Corporate Services at the SACAA.

Also read: SANParks welcomes relaxation of travel regulations

Other airports affected are  Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, OR Tambo International Airport  and George Airport.

In terms of bringing the expired ILS’s back to service, calibration will need to take place to perform the necessary adjustments to obtain the required performance accuracy.

Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting

Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).

At the time of going to press, the contents of this feature mirrored South Africa’s lockdown regulations

You can also sign up for news alerts on Telegram. Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5532.  

Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.