Northern Ireland Aviation Enthusiast's Forum

Civil Aviation => Modern Civil Aircraft => Topic started by: Angry Turnip on July 17, 2010, 12:04:34 AM

Title: BFS Primary Radar still out of service
Post by: Angry Turnip on July 17, 2010, 12:04:34 AM

Aldergrove Primary radar is still out of service;it has been out of service since March and radar coverage is being provided by secondary radar only (SSR).
Air traffic are using increased separation and surveillance radar approaches are not available.
 
This info comes from Aldergrove automated information service which can be picked up on 128.5.
 
It seems strange that it still hasn`t been fixed after 4 months,and now in one of the busiest times of the year.

Title: Re: BFS Primary Radar still out of service
Post by: S61N on July 17, 2010, 07:44:24 AM

That's probably why they introduced the £1 passenger drop off/collection charge - to pay to get the radar fixed  ;) ;)

Title: Re: BFS Primary Radar still out of service
Post by: acw347 on July 17, 2010, 02:29:27 PM

It's not broken it's being upgraded with new kit

Title: Re: BFS Primary Radar still out of service
Post by: Angry Turnip on July 19, 2010, 01:46:36 PM

I suspected it might be undergoing some sort of maintenance;just seems like an awfully long time to get it sorted.
 
Needless to say these things are very complex and have to be 100% accurate,but getting on for 5 months does seem a long time to rely on secondary radar.

Title: Re: BFS Primary Radar still out of service
Post by: acw347 on July 19, 2010, 02:39:19 PM

All is explained here...
 
http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/aip/current/sup/EG_SUP_2010_11_en.pdf (http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/aip/current/sup/EG_SUP_2010_11_en.pdf)
 
It hasnt caused any bother flying round aldergrove or over to the west of the province, its just makes you look out the window a bit more  8)
 

Title: Re: BFS Primary Radar still out of service
Post by: Merlin on July 19, 2010, 07:58:59 PM

When I was up at BFS a few weeks ago I heard a transmission between ATC and an incoming flight (Aer Lingus or EasyJet). When the pilot inquired into the state of the radar, ATC said that it would be several months before the primary radar was up and running again.