RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging)

AEROTEL maintains the country’s RADAR systems to protect the integrity of Jamaica’s Flight Information Region (FIR) .RADAR is a system that transmits short bursts (pulses) of energy and detects echoes from objects (targets) such as aircraft or ships. The device provides a visual representation of the aircraft in the FIR which is used by Air Traffic Controllers to aid in decision making. The RADAR provides altitude (height above ground), speed and direction of flight of the target aircraft.

AEROTEL maintains the RADAR systems to protect the integrity of Jamaica’s FIR.

Navigational Systems – The Doppler VHF Omni Ranging / Distance Measuring Equipment (DVOR/DME)

DVOR is the basic electronic navigation that is in use today. An aircraft flies from one DVOR to another. This DVOR navigation method relies on ground based transmitters which emit signals to DVOR receivers in the aircraft.

Most VOR stations also have distance-measuring equipment (DME). A display indicator in the aircraft reads the signals and tells the pilots if they are on course and how far they are from the station. VOR-DME systems are limited in range to 160 miles and can only provide direct courses to or from a given station.

There are two DVOR/DME sites in Jamaica. AEROTEL maintains this system for safe travel in Jamaica’s FIR.

The Non Directional Beacon (NDB)

The commonest and one of the simplest of aids is the Non-Directional Beacon. It is used to mark airways, when its useful range may be up to 100 miles, and as an approach and landing aid, sometimes referred to as a Locator Beacon.

The Instrument Landing System (ILS)

ILS facilities are a highly accurate and dependable means of navigating to the runway in IFR conditions. When using the ILS, the pilot determines aircraft position primarily by reference to instruments.

Localiser transmitter Glide path transmitter Outer markers Approach lighting system

The ILS stations are installed at both international airports, which support the landing aircraft with instrument guidance under adverse weather conditions. ILS is used to provide the pilot with precision information of the aircraft direction so as he lands the aircraft, if it is possible, to touch the ground in the specific point. This point should be the centerline of the runway and be at the beginning of the runway. In addition, aircraft is landed at an angle of 3 degrees. So, the two of the landing guidance (i.e. runway centerline and 30 angle landing path) are provided by Localiser and Guide path respectively.

Communication

This system consists of air to ground radios used by the air traffic controllers to communicate with aircrafts. These radios are located at multiple sites across the island and in Grand Cayman. The air traffic controllers are at two International Airports, Tinson Pen and the Kingston Air Traffic Centre. AEROTEL maintaining the ground to air radios providing reliable communication in Jamaica’s FIR.