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Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
Media Release

CAAS Partners EASA in Study Of Wake Turbulence of Aircraft

21 August 2015

Collaboration aims to identify ways to boost runway capacity safely

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have signed a Working Arrangement (WA) to conduct a study of aircraft wake turbulence[1] at Changi Airport, with the aim of reducing aircraft separation standards safely. The outcome of the study could increase runway capacity at Changi Airport and other airports globally.

Due to the safety hazard posed by wake turbulence, an aircraft following behind another aircraft, for example, in departure or landing, must maintain an adequate safe distance. The minimum safety separation between two aircraft, in turn, determines runway capacity.

Recognising this, CAAS and EASA will work together to conduct wake vortex measurements of aircraft operating at Changi Airport. This study will involve real-time data collection via the use of laser imaging detection and ranging technology (LIDAR), as well as a review of air traffic control working procedures and methods to ensure safe aircraft separation. Outcomes and recommendations from this study would potentially provide the scientific basis for further enhancement of aircraft separation standards, without compromising on safety.

Executive Director of EASA, Mr. Patrick Ky, said, “CAAS and EASA have established a long-standing cooperation for the development of the highest aviation safety standards. This new Working Arrangement will bring valuable data and information on wake turbulences in an operational environment and will further improve our understanding of this complex topic in order to guarantee the highest level of safety to passengers.”

Director-General of CAAS, Mr. Kevin Shum, added, “This Working Arrangement with EASA adds a new dimension to our long-standing cooperation in data sharing and analysis of aircraft operations. This study is timely as Singapore and others in the international aviation community are finding various ways to optimise runway capacity to handle more flights in a safe manner.”

The WA was signed on the sidelines of the World Civil Aviation Chief Executives Forum[2] held at Singapore Aviation Academy.

Officials sign a Working Arrangement

From left to right: Mr Kevin Shum, Director-General of CAAS, and Mr Patrick Ky, Executive Director of EASA, sign a Working Arrangement to collaborate on the study of wake turbulence of aircraft.

Note:

[1] Wake turbulence is turbulence which is generated by the passage of an aircraft in flight. It will be generated from the point when the nose landing gear of an aircraft leaves the ground on take-off and will cease to be generated when the nose landing gear touches the ground during landing.

[2] The World Civil Aviation Chief Executives Forum (WCACEF), organised by CAAS, was held at the Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA) from 18 to 20 August 2015. Since its inception in 2003, the WCAEF has served as a nexus for knowledge sharing, bringing the international aviation community together in Singapore for a global dialogue on the latest issues and challenges facing aviation today as well as opportunities that growth presents. This year, a record 140 Directors-General and Chief Executives from civil aviation authorities, airports and air navigation service providers from some 65 States and 15 international and regional organisations attended the Forum.

About the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
The mission of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is to grow a safe, vibrant air hub and civil aviation system, making a key contribution to Singapore's success. CAAS' roles are to oversee and promote safety in the aviation industry, develop the air hub and aviation industry, provide air navigation services, provide aviation training for human resource development, and contribute to the development of international civil aviation. For more information, visit www.caas.gov.sg (opens in new tab).

About the European Aviation Safety Agency
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is the centrepiece of the European Union's strategy for aviation safety. Our mission is to promote and achieve the highest common standards of safety and environmental protection in civil aviation. Based in Cologne, the Agency currently employs more than 650 experts and administrators from all over Europe.

For media queries, please contact:

Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
Email: caas_corporate_communications@caas.gov.sg (opens in new tab)