Watch your speed, pilots told after go-arounds cause flight delays

 

A former commercial pilot said non-compliance with speed limits had resulted in delays of other flights that followed the set approach speeds at KLIA.

PETALING JAYA: 

Pilots of aircraft arriving at KLIA have been told to stick to the speed limits imposed at the airport to prevent unnecessary go-arounds, or resequencing of flights, resulting in delays.

In a notice to airline operators, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia said strict adherence to speed restrictions at high-density airports such as KLIA, is needed because of the substantial volume of arriving traffic.

Approach clearance for non-compliant aircraft might be cancelled by air traffic controllers, to ensure that compliant aircraft are not penalised, “thereby maintaining safety and operational efficiency in the airspace,” the notice said.

A former commercial pilot said although such non-compliance is not rampant, a number of cases have resulted in delays of other flights that followed the set approach speeds at KLIA.

“(Such cases) result in a trickle-down effect and affect all flights eventually, causing higher costs for airlines,” he told FMT.

Norazman Mahmud.

The notice, signed by CAAM chief executive Norazman Mahmud, said maintaining precise arrival spacing is essential for the safe and efficient management of traffic, as approach controllers handle large volumes of aircraft.

“Adherence to these speed restrictions not only enhance safety but also optimises operational efficiency,” he said.

He said where pilots are unable to comply with the restrictions outlined, they should promptly notify the air traffic controllers and request alternate clearance, to minimise disruption of air traffic . - FMT