CHENNAI: Though it was visually impossible to estimate the Runway Visibility Range (RVR) through the thick fog that descended on Chennai on Monday, as it was before dawn, the airport’s transmissometers kicked into action in time. By 4 am, as the visibility on the runway dropped to almost 100 metres, well below the prescribed limit set by the DGCA, the read-out from the machine that estimates visual range had ruled out air operations. While questions have been asked about how well the technology works after it was installed over four years ago, R Suresh, Director of the Meterological Office inside the Airport complex confirmed that they were in top shape. “There are two transmissometers in operation, on runways 07 and 25, and the read-outs are accurate up to even one metre,” he said. Though it has not been sanctioned yet, once the secondary runway at the Chennai airport is completed, a similar device, also known as a hazemeter, will have to be fitted there as well.While only Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad airports are equipped with the technology in the southern sector, New Delhi, which handles much more air traffic, has nine working transmissometers. Almost a year has passed since a proposal was floated to have all second-tier airports fitted with transmissometers.“Earlier, the equipment needed to be imported and the logistics took a long time. But now, after extensive development of an indigenous model, it is likely that this will be procured and used in 48 airports across India,” said a well-placed source. Airports that do not have this still rely on “manual gauging through a trained observer who moves along the runway trying to spot runway lines.”Though funds and red tape have caused the delay thus far, DGCA regulations that communication must be relayed through underground cables in addition to Wi-fi, will also take time. “The regulations state that only the provider should erect and maintain the communication cables,” confirmed a senior official. If sanctioned, these devices would not just be used to estimate visibility for flight opearations but also serve as an automated disaster-prevention mechanism in the future.
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