Instrument landing system upgrade for Melbourne Airport

Airservices has begun upgrade works to the instrument landing system (ILS) installed on the main runway at Melbourne Airport to improve low visibility operations.

The essential works include increasing the size of the localiser antenna array at the southern end of the main runway (Runway 16). Works are scheduled to conclude by mid-November with re-certification in two phases by mid May 2014.

During the works, the ILS will be removed from service, with pilots able to make use of other navigation aids including VHF omni-directorial range (VOR), area navigation (RNAV) and Smart Tracking (satellite-based technology) for approaches to Runway 16.

Folliowing the upgrade,the ILS will enable Melbourne Airport to continue providing a Category IIlB landing service, which allows a reduced decision making height for pilots down to 50 feet above the ground. Melbourne Airport is the only airport in Australia that has a Category lll ILS.