ID :
47796
Thu, 02/26/2009 - 17:35
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http://m.oananews.org//node/47796
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Thick smog affects visibility at Lampang airport
LAMPANG, Feb 26 (TNA) - Poor visibility caused by the heavy smog frequently blanketing this northern province has prompted the Lampang airport to install special equipment to help improve visibility for pilots, according to a senior airport official.
Airport director Siripong Krungwong said Lampang's dense smog has reduced visibility to only 10 kilometres making it difficult for take-offs and landings. Normally, a pilot should be able to see the runway within a 20-30 kilometre distance.
The control tower has installed special communications equipment to alert pilots about the airport's location and landing directions, he said.
Airfield ground lighting services are now in full operation to ensure aviation safety.
Meanwhile, Surapoj Kajjanasingh, director of the Lampang conservation administration area, said more than 200 hot spots have been found in the past three weeks. Brush fires set by villagers combined with
scorching weather sent thick haze to cover most of the province.
As the level of dust particles exceeded safety limits for the second day, the authorities urged the public to stop burning activities in the forest and open area.
In nearby Chiang Mai, there was no report of flight interruptions, according to airport director Chaturongkapol Sodmanee.
He said the thick smog did not cause any visibility problem for the pilots and flights continued normally.
The provincial chief of public health however asked people with respiratory problems, children and the elderly to stay indoors due to concerns of health problems caused by poor air quality. (TNA)
Airport director Siripong Krungwong said Lampang's dense smog has reduced visibility to only 10 kilometres making it difficult for take-offs and landings. Normally, a pilot should be able to see the runway within a 20-30 kilometre distance.
The control tower has installed special communications equipment to alert pilots about the airport's location and landing directions, he said.
Airfield ground lighting services are now in full operation to ensure aviation safety.
Meanwhile, Surapoj Kajjanasingh, director of the Lampang conservation administration area, said more than 200 hot spots have been found in the past three weeks. Brush fires set by villagers combined with
scorching weather sent thick haze to cover most of the province.
As the level of dust particles exceeded safety limits for the second day, the authorities urged the public to stop burning activities in the forest and open area.
In nearby Chiang Mai, there was no report of flight interruptions, according to airport director Chaturongkapol Sodmanee.
He said the thick smog did not cause any visibility problem for the pilots and flights continued normally.
The provincial chief of public health however asked people with respiratory problems, children and the elderly to stay indoors due to concerns of health problems caused by poor air quality. (TNA)
