Do n't they have a radar system or some similar device for when visibility is poor?
2006-12-21 20:04:21 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
It's because the controllers can't see the planes on the ground and could cause a collision if they accidentally told a plane that they thought was somewhere on the apron which had moved a bit and suddenly - BANG!
Yes, we all know that planes can take off and land automatically, but that's only good if the ground is clear, and if the ground has to be monitored by radar instead of by eye, that's where the delay starts and the cancellations arise as a result.
2006-12-21 20:22:25 · answer #1 · answered by nosmo king 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
can't see the runway. lights show the runway at night but even heavy duty lights are little use in dense fog.
control tower can't keep track of multiple takeoffs and landings on radar only, especially since radar does not work well with craft at ground level. plus a radar screen shows stuff in 2d, u need visual confirmation to keep an airport running safely, especially in case o emergency.
runway gets slippery, especially if fog is accompanied by light rain.
u also gotta be careful of equipment moving on and off a runway, which u can't see in fog.
2006-12-21 20:26:01 · answer #2 · answered by implosion13 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Electronics and automation can only do so much and take us so far. It comes down to the human factor, the human touch. Electronics gets you to the ballpark but you need visual to actually land, take off, and taxi. There is a lot of money involved so you can bet if it was at all possible the traffic would be moving. Have you ever driven in fog? If so you should have an idea why they can't move the planes.
2006-12-21 20:21:29 · answer #3 · answered by Darwin 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Radar is effected by the fog. The fog disrupts the radar because it is so condensing. Radar however is not effected by night time travel because it doesn't rely on light to work.
2006-12-23 18:54:35 · answer #4 · answered by WILLIAM S 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because The control Tower needs a visual on ALL incoming/outgoing planes and to be able to see the aircraft movement on the runway.
What amuses me is that Heathrow is built on the old town of Heath Row - a very wet and marshy area, and it's in a basin, so when the fog does come down, it stays for ages! They should have thought of that before building it!
2006-12-21 20:07:53 · answer #5 · answered by puffy 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Poor visibility. They still need to be able to see 15 meters ahead during take off and landing.
2006-12-21 20:07:25 · answer #6 · answered by Bart S 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Because they can't see the runway to land. At night they have lights but if it's foggy you can't see a thing
2006-12-21 20:06:25 · answer #7 · answered by lataliano 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because the fog is frozen and when they take off and land they can skid and come off the runway.
2006-12-21 20:08:29 · answer #8 · answered by Honey W 4 · 2⤊ 4⤋
'Cause a plane can't hit the ground at 60,00feet!
2006-12-21 20:16:18 · answer #9 · answered by mr nice 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You can only park so many planes.In so many places.
2006-12-21 20:17:44 · answer #10 · answered by Butt 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋