Navigational aid for Bhuntar airport soon

Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 19

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has initiated the process of setting up advanced navigational aid for the Bhuntar airport, which, while assisting aircraft bound for the airport located at Bhuntar, will also provide a fillip to air navigation services in the region.

Called Doppler Very High Frequency Omni Range (DVOR), it was approved for installation almost three years ago and the construction for the building and allied civil facilities is expected to commence shortly. At present, the airport only has a non-directional radio beacon for navigational purposes.

“A site in adjoining Mandi district on a hilltop at an altitude close to 8,000 feet has been selected for setting up the DVOR, which is at a distance of about 60 km from the Bhuntar airport,” an AAI official said.

“The building to house the equipment, associated paraphernalia and work stations is expected to cost about Rs 1 crore,” he added.

DVOR is a ground based radio navigational aid that provides bearing information to aircraft to define air traffic control routes for en-route, terminal and instrument approach and departure procedures. While it provides accurate direction and distance during flight, it does not assist the aircrew in landing or take-off.

The Bhuntar airport is located in a valley along the Beas, about 10 km from Kullu. Given its relatively lower altitude and high mountains in the vicinity, it was decided to locate the DVOR at a higher elevation rather than on the airfield for better results.

With a 3,700 feet long runway, it can cater only to small aircraft. Given its geographical features of the area, river proximity, climatic issues and recommended unidirectional operations, Bhuntar is considered a challenging airport for pilots. There are plans to increase the runway length by about 600 metres and upgrade the facilities at the airport.

To be equipped with DVOR

• Called Doppler Very High Frequency Omni Range (DVOR), the system was approved for installation almost three years ago and the construction for the building and allied civil facilities is expected to commence shortly. At present, the airport only has a non-directional radio beacon for navigational purposes.
• “A site in adjoining Mandi district on a hilltop at an altitude close to 8,000 feet has been selected for setting up the DVOR, which is at a distance of about 60 km from the Bhuntar airport,” an AAI official said.