Aurigny’s low vision technology cannot be used... yet

As fog causes cancellations and delays to flights across the Channel Islands, one airline has recently invested in technology to allow it to land in lower visibility.

However, they can not use it as pilots are not yet trained to use it.

Aurigny took delivery of one of their three new ATR 72-600 aeroplanes in October 2019.

The planes boast ‘ClearVision’ a new Enhanced Vision System, allowing pilots to land when there is lower visibility.

A camera on the front of the plane allows pilots to see through fog and some clouds.

However, Aurigny says this technology cannot be used for several months.

• Mark Darby, Aurigny’s CEO, spoke about the new technology in a promotional video for the company:

In the video the CEO states that the company spent €1,000,000 in disruption costs and with ClearVision technology they would hope to half this.

To make an approach the runway needs to be visible from 550 metres, with the new technology Aurigny would be able to make an approach with the runway visible from 300 metres.

Aurigny have said they are trying to start using the equipment ‘as soon as practically possible’.