Instrument Landing System (ILS) launched on Gold Coast, with up to dozens of planes to use it during bad weather

Dozens of planes could use the controversial Instrument Landing System (ILS) over thousands of homes across the Gold Coast. Here’s why.

SEVERAL dozen planes could use a new flight path over thousands of homes between Currumbin and Surfers Paradise each day during bad weather.

The new Instrument Landing System (ILS) could be used for the first time today, should the patchy weather turn nasty.

It comes as the system was switched on at Gold Coast Airport in Bilinga, reducing flight diversions and alleviating delays for passengers.

The Gold Coast Bulletin took a closer look at the sophisticated ILS equipment – which cost more than $10 million, despite appearing relatively simple.

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The Instrument Landing System (ILS) has been officially switched on at the Gold Coast Airport. Picture: Jerad Williams

The only visible signs of the ILS behind the scenes at the airport was a series of orange and white antennas and a rather diminutive building.

Installing the system was a joint effort between the airport and Airservices Australia.

The ILS has proved controversial, prompting concerns from some city residents over noise.

Back in 2016, the Gold Coast Lifestyle Association took on Airservices Australia in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

The Instrument Landing System (ILS). Picture: Jerad Williams

The tribunal decided in March, 2017 that the system could only be used in bad weather.

Gold Coast Airport receives an average of 55 flights each day.

The ILS will be used by pilots to safely land, though it’s up to the individual discretion of pilots whether they will take advantage of the system.

Airservices Australia Northern Operations Manager Doug Scott believes the right balance has been struck between the needs of airport passengers and the city’s residents.

Service Delivery General Manager Brett Curtis and Airservices Australia Northern Operations Manager Doug Scott GC Airport Operations. Picture: Jerad Williams

Mr Scott confirmed the Gold Coast was one of the busiest airports in the country outside of capital cities.

“For the hub that it is … it was a complimentary piece of equipment for the airport, along with the other approach aids here,” he said.

“It’s just another alternative for aircraft to be assured of a landing.”

Mr Scott “couldn’t put a figure on” how often the ILS may be used.

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Other parts of the ILS. Picture: Jerad Williams

“I can’t tell you that they’ll never use it … when those weather condition are such that they need to get to a lower height to be set up for a landing, that’s when the ILS will be used,” he said.

“But the noise abatement procedures, they prescribe a number of procedures before we get to that point.”

Mr Scott said the system could be used outside of severe weather due to an “operational requirement or emergency.

Gold Coast Airport operations and service delivery general manager Brett Curtis said it took “many years” to bring the ILS to fruition.

“So, today marks a significant milestone for Gold Coast Airport,” he said.

“For the first time, I guess, they (pilots) have assurity the airport is equipped with the latest technology to ensure a landing during adverse weather conditions.”

The ILS allows a pilot to fly closer to the runway before deciding to land in wet conditions.