Focus: GS-III Disaster Management
Why in news?
The crucial flight data recorder of the Air India Express flight AXB 1344 that crashed after overshooting the runway of Calicut International Airport at Karipur on Friday evening was recovered as investigations into the accident began.
Explanation given
- DGCA chief told that several recommendations in 2011 and 2019 to improve safety standards at the airport were complied with, though some suggestions such as extending the length of the runway could not be implemented due to lack of land availability.
- He clarified that the runway was sufficiently long for narrow body and wide body aircraft operations.
Tabletop runway problems
Tabletop runways do pose a challenge, but that challenge is factored in when they give clearance for commanders with a certain amount of experience
What is a tabletop runway?
- A tabletop runway is a runway that is located on the top of a plateau or hill with one or both ends adjacent to a steep precipice which drops into a deep gorge.
- This type of runway creates an optical illusion which requires a very precise approach by the pilot.
-Source: The Hindu
