NAF installs airfield landing aids in Kaduna base

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has begun installation of Instrument Landing System (ILS) with its accompanying equipment such as localiser, glide slope and Distance Measuring Equipment in Kaduna airfield ahead of its 60th Anniversary celebration.

This is stated in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Gabkwet said the installation was sequel to the 60th Anniversary celebration of the NAF scheduled to hold in Abuja and Kaduna from May 23 to May 25.

He said the system had been backed up with a solar system powered by a 10 KVA  inverter with 28 batteries on both sides, to forestall any power interruption.

According to him, the successful implementation of the ILS unlocks a myriad of possibilities for aircraft operations at the airfield situated within the NAF Base Kaduna, which is expected to witness an increase in flying activities in the weeks to come in preparation for the anniversary.

Gabkwet said that with the new ILS, pilots could now execute precision ILS approaches, enabling safe landings even in adverse weather conditions with limited runway visibility.

He said the installation was also significant for NAF student pilots, adding that it would eliminate the need to seek alternative airfields for practicing ILS approaches and streamline their flying training experiences.

“Moving forward, the completion of the project’s second phase, encompassing the installation of solar landing lights and precision approach indicators, will no doubt augment the airfield’s capabilities.

“Upon fruition, aircraft will be empowered to conduct operations during low visibility conditions and at night, propelling the airfield towards 24-hour operational readiness while also serving as a beacon of excellence in aviation training and safety in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.

Gabkwet said the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, was at the NAF Base on Tuesday to inspect the installation and ongoing projects critical to the successful hosting of the anniversary.

He said that some of the ongoing projects included the renovation of the parade ground, construction of 72- flat accommodation for student pilots and repair of aircraft shelters that would serve as exhibition stands during the anniversary.

(NAN)

Remotely piloted aircraft crashes in India’s Rajasthan

A remotely piloted aircraft belonging to the Indian Air Force (IAF) Thursday crashed in India’s western state of Rajasthan, officials said.

No loss of life or damage to property was reported in the accident.

The aircraft crashed during a routine training sortie near Jaisalmer, about 600 km west of Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan.

IAF has ordered a probe into the crash.

Last month a Tejas aircraft of IAF crashed in the compound of a student hostel in Jaisalmer during a training sortie.

However, the pilot ejected safely and no injuries have been reported on the ground.

(Xinhua/NAN)

Passengers, crew unharmed as Dana Air aircraft veers off runway

A Dana Air aircraft with registration number, 5N BKI, flying from Abuja to Lagos on Tuesday morning, veered off the runway during a landing operation at the Murtala Mohammed airport in Lagos.

A statement signed by Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, Head of Corporate Communications of the airline said all the 83 passengers and crew members onboard were unharmed.

According to Ezenwa, the airline was relieved to confirm that all 83 passengers and crew onboard the flight, disembarked safely without injuries or scare as the crew handled the situation with utmost professionalism.

He said all relevant authorities have been informed of the incident.

“We have also updated the AIB and NCAA on the incident and the aircraft involved has been grounded by our maintenance team for further investigation.

“We wish to thank the airport authorities, and our crew for their very swift response in ensuring the safe disembarkation of all passengers following the incident.

“Our sincere apologies and appreciation to the passengers on the affected flight for their patience and understanding.

“We wish to reassure our passengers that their safety will always be our top priority, and we are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he noted.

(NAN)