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Old 14th Jun 2017, 19:53
  #612 (permalink)  
Broken Biscuits
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: West Midlands UK
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The Deluxe Airport of St Helena

It's not just the terminal that's over the top. It's got every conceivable navaid (apart I think from a VDF) - it's like they said to the nav aid supplier - money no object - it's being paid for by the UK Government!

There's a localizer only ILS - just for runway 20. There's an NDB locator beacon, and the VOR which only works over the Eastern part of its coverage. Finally, they've spent money on the Honeywell "Smartpath" GPS augmentation approach system - which so far is not recognised by ASSI, so not usable.

Other extravagances - having "full blown" ATC facilities - including approach and tower frequencies. With the miniscule traffic expectation, the whole of the ATC could be handled by a FSO who just needs to check that no vehicles are on the runway then issue a "land at your discretion" instruction and pass the wind info. You could train up a local Saint to do that in a few hours, instead of flying in South African ATC professionals - who probably find it all a bit boring.

Also, why do you need an expensive security fence surrounding the airfield? A couple of policemen could be stationed suitably when a plane is due to keep people off the runway.

The whole thing has been designed by people unused to the conditions on a small island with just 4000 people - and with a "money no object" mentality.
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