There is justifiable optimism over the rapid growth of civil aviation in the country, which expanded 25 per cent last year. Data from DGCA shows a phenomenal 9 lakh-plus scheduled aircraft movement in 2015-16. But the alarming reports of near-misses — there were 35 admitted near-misses between March 2015 and March 2016 — shows the huge problems that crowded skies are throwing up for air traffic control. The aviation sector accepts that only about half the near-misses are reported, logged and investigated by the DGCA and the Airprox Investigation Board, as in the case of the August 11 incident of SpiceJet and Emirates aircraft avoiding collision over Hyderabad, thanks to on-board proximity warning systems.
Congestion in the skies is only part of a huge problem to be solved by adequate manning of ATCs and proper communication between the monitors and the pilots in the air. Staff shortage — ICAO says India is short of 1,000 controllers — is again only part of the problem. Modernisation of equipment is a must, even if it comes with a hefty price tag. The failure of infrastructure — the integrated radar system failed twice in six months in Kolkata and Nagpur — adds a chilling dimension to what we are facing in Indian skies. The Rs 774 crore GAGAN is also a work in progress. For how long can pilots fly on a wing and a prayer until all systems and personnel are in place for truly safe aviation standards?
