KCAA launches digital search, rescue system

KCAA director-general Gilbert Kibe. FILE PHOTO | NMG

By GERALD ANDAE
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Summary

• The system, which has been set at the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) located at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, marks a shift from the previous manual system that has been in use for years.
• The Sh31 million automated search system at the ARCC will enable KCAA Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) to have continuous coordination of all aeronautical search and rescue missions within the country.

• This automation will help KCAA achieve fast and efficient response during rescue mission, thereby increasing the chances of saving lives and property.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has launched an automated Aeronautical Search and Rescue System that will boost the chances of tracking aircraft in distress and help to save lives.

The system, which has been set at the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) located at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, marks a shift from the previous manual system that has been in use for years.

The Sh31 million automated search system at the ARCC will enable KCAA Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) to have continuous coordination of all aeronautical search and rescue missions within the country.

This automation will help KCAA achieve fast and efficient response during rescue mission, thereby increasing the chances of saving lives and property.

“The manual search coordination process took longer time in determining the probable area to be searched delaying mobilisation of search and rescue response agencies,” said KCAA director general Gilbert Kibe.

“With the right data obtained from the system, the search area can now be narrowed to a specific location after which response agencies are informed and this increases the chances of saving.”

Initially, the aeronautical rescue coordination centre was only activated when there was need for search and rescue following a reported emergency. This required mobilisation of search mission coordinators who would then proceed to conduct a manual search using maps and charts.

Currently, the ARCC is manned on a 24-hour basis with qualified search mission coordinators. The officers have undergone on-job-training to familiarise themselves with the new system and standard operating procedures.

The newly-installed system is linked to a search and rescue satellite that aids in tracking of Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT), enabling a faster detection of aircraft in distress.

All aircraft operating in Kenya are required to be fitted with a serviceable ELT which is triggered automatically when the aircraft experiences impact.