Brazil is to implement a dedicated helicopter air traffic control (ATC) system for all rotary-winged aircraft flying over São Paulo, writes Jackson Flores.
The system, jointly developed by São Paulo state's regional ATC authority, SRPV-SP, and the São Paulo Helicopter Pilot Association, will go live this week. Dedicated rotorcraft ATC exists at Aberdeen, UK and Stavanger, Norway, for offshore traffic, but SRPV-SP claims São Paulo has the first dedicated urban service.
The move was spurred by the number of fixed and rotary-winged aircraft transiting through São Paulo's 13 dedicated helicopter air traffic corridors, especially around Congonhas airport. Many heliports are aligned with the airport's instrument landing system ramp, and helicopters have triggered traffic collision avoidance system alerts.
Source: Flight International
