Latest news with #RADAR
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
IMD limits weather data access amid cyber threats from Pakistan, Afghanistan
NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department has enhanced its cybersecurity protocols, implementing firewalls and password-protected access systems to safeguard its weather data infrastructure following suspicious access attempts traced to Pakistan and Afghanistan. "So far, IMD websites and databases were accessed by many without any security measures. Due to recent situations of cyber threats from outside the country, it was decided to install firewalls and also user ID password-based access to restricted individuals. This can help prevent cyber attacks," IMD, Hyderabad, director Dr K Nagaratna explained TOI. The organisation has limited access to automatic weather stations and RAPID systems, which are essential for analysing INSAT data and identifying weather patterns. This restriction has affected weather enthusiasts and independent forecasters who previously relied on these resources. "IMD has now restricted access to AWS and RAPID. This was so useful for weather enthusiasts and bloggers," noted Balaji T, popularly known as Telangana Weatherman. He detailed that AWS system includes, remote stations, telemetry, and Earth receiving stations, equipped to measure temperature, humidity, pressure, rainfall, wind, solar radiation, and soil metrics. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Did You Know Luxury Hotel Prices in 2025 Could Be So Low? Expertinspector Learn More Undo "RADAR of IMD is still accessible. We don't know when it will go off. We, as weather enthusiasts, feel that giving access to this data will not be an issue of cyber security. We use ground observations and international models. It will be difficult for young weather enthusiasts. They have to now depend on international data," he added. "Worldwide, weather data is liberalised, making it open data. India is going in reverse," Balaji noted. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Indian Express
24-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Delhi-Srinagar flight incident: What's the difference between PAN PAN and Mayday aviation emergency signals?
After the recent Indigo Delhi-Srinagar flight encountered a hailstorm mid-air, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated that the crew followed all emergency procedures before declaring a 'PAN PAN' to Srinagar Air Traffic Control (ATC), and requested for RADAR vectors. The aircraft landed safely, with no injuries reported, and Auto Thrust functioning normally. This incident prompted a closer look at the two key aviation distress signals used by pilots to convey urgency or emergency situations: PAN PAN and Mayday. What do they mean, and how are they different? Experts weigh in. Colonel Rajgopalan, the founder of Aviation Training India, explained that Mayday is used for life-threatening emergencies, while PAN PAN indicates an urgent but 'non-life-threatening' situation. 'Mayday is reserved for the most serious emergencies where life or the safety of the aircraft is in immediate danger,' he said. 'PAN PAN is a step below Mayday and is used when something is urgent, but does not pose a direct risk to life. Both signals help pilots communicate clearly with air traffic control,' he said. Rajagopalan also said, 'If a pilot cannot communicate with air traffic control, they can make a distress call on the VHF Guard frequency, 121.5 MHz.' When would a pilot use Mayday? Dhairyashil Vandekar, an aviation expert and analyst, said Mayday is used in scenarios involving 'grave and imminent danger,' such as severe aircraft malfunction (like engine failure), onboard fires, cardiac arrest, or hijacking. 'Mayday comes from the French m'aidez, which means 'help me',' he said. 'It signals that the aircraft needs immediate assistance and takes priority over all other radio communications.' What does PAN PAN signal mean? PAN PAN, on the other hand, is used to convey urgent situations that also require prompt attention but are not as life-threatening. 'Such situations may be created by engine failure, but without any risk of crashing or non-critical medical situations like a minor injury, illness, weather-related issues etc. PAN PAN originates from the French word 'panne' meaning 'breakdown',' said Vandekar. How is an aviation distress call transmitted? In emergency inflight situations, Vandekar asserted that the pilot usually transmits a message to ATC beginning with mayday or PAN PAN repeated thrice, followed by a declaration of emergency, the reason for it, and requesting priority handling and assistance. 'ATC is also informed of the aircraft call sign, type of emergency, aircraft location, and intention of the pilot, like wanting to divert or emergency services required etc,' said Vandekar. Why correct usage matters Experts stressed the importance of using the correct signal to avoid miscommunication and ensure the right response. 'Confusing PAN PAN with Mayday can lead to unnecessary panic, delayed response, or misallocation of resources,' said Vandekar. 'International regulations, including those by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), emphasise precise use of these terms to maintain safety and coordination during emergencies,' he said. 'By strictly adhering to international standards and guidelines in such situations, aircraft pilots ensure effective and flawless communication, which helps the ATC to swiftly and correctly deal with the situation to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft,' said Vandekar. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Jayashree Narayanan writes on fitness, health, food, culture and everything lifestyle. She is an alumnus of AJKMCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia and Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi ... Read More
Mint
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Mint
Indigo Delhi-Srinagar flight news: Two pilots ‘grounded for probe' by DGCA, says report
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Saturday grounded two pilots of IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar after it encountered severe turbulence amid a strong hailstorm, as reported by Hindustan Times citing sources. On May 21, IndiGo's A321 neo aircraft operating flight 6E 2142 encountered hailstorms and severe turbulence near Pathankot. While in a thunderstorm cloud, the regulator said warnings of Angle of Attack fault, Alternate Law protection lost, backup Speed scale unreliable were triggered. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said on Friday that regulator DGCA will thoroughly investigate the incident. 'From the information I have, I would like to appreciate the pilots and the crew who have been very composed in the way they have handled (the situation) given the weather... we are thankful that everyone is safe,' Naidu noted. 'As part of the investigations, the two pilots are grounded pending investigation,' a DGCA official told Hindustan Times on condition of anonymity. DGCA on Friday said that as per the crew statement, they requested Northern control (IAF) for deviation towards left (International Border) due to weather on the route, however, it was not approved. I would like to appreciate the pilots and the crew who have been very composed in the way they have handled the situation given the weather... we are thankful that everyone is safe. "Later, the crew contacted Lahore to enter into their airspace to avoid the weather but the same was refused too," DGCA said. During this period, DGCA said the aircraft rate of descent reached 8,500 fpm (feet per minute) and crew flew the aircraft manually till they exited the hailstorm. "After carrying out all checklist actions (ECAM actions), the crew declared 'PAN PAN' to Srinagar ATC and requested for RADAR vectors and made a safe landing with Auto Thrust operating normally," the statement said. (With inputs from agencies) Key Takeaways Severe weather conditions can pose significant risks during flights, necessitating careful navigation and decision-making. The DGCA is proactive in grounding pilots during investigations to ensure safety standards are upheld. Communication with air traffic control is crucial, especially in adverse weather situations.
Hans India
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Hans India
Indigo flight makes 8,500 ft/min drop after Pak refusal
The incident of the aircraft encountering turbulence is being probed by the DGCA. On Wednesday, IndiGo's A321 neo aircraft operating flight 6E 2142 encountered hailstorm and severe turbulence near Pathankot. "As per crew statement, they requested Northern control (IAF) for deviation towards left (International Border) due to weather on the route, however, it was not approved. "Later, the crew contacted Lahore to enter into their airspace to avoid the weather but the same was refused too," DGCA said. The DGCA statement confirms the report of May 22 that the Lahore ATC had rejected the flight pilot's request to use the Pakistan airspace to avoid turbulence. Indian Air Force (IAF) sources said the Northern Area Control advised the IndiGo crew within the frame of the NOTAM, ensuring safety of aircraft and passengers. Pakistan civil aviation authorities have issued the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) shutting the country's airspace for Indian aircraft. The sources said the IndiGo aircraft was immediately assisted in co-ordinating their route diversion by contacting Delhi Area and passing requisite contact frequencies of Lahore control for overflight weather diversion request. Once Lahore refused overflight clearance, and the aircraft proceeded towards Srinagar, the flight was subsequently professionally assisted till a safe-landing at Srinagar airfield by giving control vectors and groundspeed readouts, the sources said. According to the DGCA, the IndiGo flight crew initially attempted to return but as they were close to the thunderstorm cloud, they decided to penetrate the weather. "Subsequently, they encountered hailstorm and severe turbulence. Crew chose to continue at the same heading to exit the weather by the shortest route towards Srinagar," the statement said. While in a thunderstorm cloud, the regulator said warnings of Angle of Attack fault, Alternate Law protection lost, backup Speed scale unreliable were triggered. "Due to updraft and downdraft encountered by the aircraft the Autopilot tripped and aircraft speed had wide variations. As a result, Maximum Operating Speed/Maximum operating Mach (VMO/MMO) warnings and repeated stall warnings were triggered," the statement said. During this period, DGCA said the aircraft rate of descent reached 8,500 fpm (feet per minute) and crew flew the aircraft manually till they exited the hailstorm. "After carrying out all checklist actions (ECAM actions), the crew declared 'PAN PAN' to Srinagar ATC and requested for RADAR vectors and made a safe landing with Auto Thrust operating normally," the statement said. Generally, 'PAN PAN' refers to an emergency situation. The regulator said the matter is under investigation and that there was no injury to any of the passengers on-board the flight. "Post-flight walk around revealed damage to the Nose radome," the statement said. On Thursday, IndiGo, in a statement, said the aircraft was undergoing necessary inspection and maintenance in Srinagar and will resume operations once all clearances have been secured.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Maximum speed to rapid descent: What IndiGo pilots encountered before safely landing the plane in Srinagar
Photo/PTI NEW DELHI: Pilots of IndiGo's Delhi-Srinagar flight of May 21 (6E-2142) — which had experienced severe turbulence during a hailstorm — safely manoeuvred through most challenging operating circumstances before safely landing the plane with over 220 people on board at its destination. Once encountering hailstorm near Pathankot, they first tried to steer clear of the bad weather. Not allowed to do so, they considered returning to Delhi before deciding to continue to Srinagar. During this time, they got multiple warnings like maximum operating speed and angle of attack fault for the Airbus A321neo (VT-IMD). They flew the aircraft manually (without autopilot) till exiting the hailstorm and declared an urgency situation. The aircraft touched down at Srinagar with everyone safe, and the plane's nose cone (radome) damaged while flying through the hailstorm. The directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA), which is probing the incident, said in a statement Friday. "While cruising at 36,000 feet, the aircraft entered hailstorm and severe turbulence near Pathankot. As per the crew statement, they requested Indian Air Force northern control for deviating left towards the international border due to weather on the route. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Вот что говорит о вашем характере поза, в которой вы спите! Удивительные Новости Undo However, it was not approved. Later, the crew contacted Lahore (air traffic control or ATC) to enter their airspace to avoid the weather, but the same was refused too. Crew initially attempted to return (to Delhi) but as they were close to the thunderstorm cloud, they decided to penetrate the weather," says the report. Subsequently, they encountered hailstorm and severe turbulence. "The crew chose to continue at same heading to exit the weather by the shortest route towards Srinagar. While in the thunderstorm cloud, warnings of angle of attack fault, alternate law protection lost, and backup speed scale (being) unreliable were triggered. Due to updraft and down draft encountered by the aircraft, the autopilot tripped and aircraft speed had wide variations. As a result, maximum operating speed/maximum operating Mach warnings and repeated stall warnings were triggered." During this period, the DGCA statement says, the plane's rate of descent reached 8,500 feet per minute. 'Crew flew the aircraft manually till they exited the hailstorm. After carrying out all check list actions (ECAM actions), crew declared PAN PAN (urgency call) to Srinagar ATC and requested for RADAR vectors and made a safe landing with auto thrust operating normally. There was no injury to any of the passenger on-board the flight. Post flight walk around revealed damage to the Nose radome," it added.
