CHAPTER 3. ASSURANCE OF AIR SAFETY
To cope with the increase in air traffic brought about by a sharp rise in
the demand of air transport, operation of aircraft with variegated flying characteristics
ranging from jumbo jets to Sesna planes, and also the requirements for air space
utilization by different types of aircraft, such as civil airline planes on regular
flights, small-sized general aircraft and Self-Defense Forces'aircraft, and to
assure a safe and smooth air traffic for all these aircraft, there is a need to
work for a further greater efficiency of air traffic control and a redevelopment
of the air safety facilities.
As one of the measures for the modernization of air traffic control, the air
traffic control information processing system with electronic computers is being
redeveloped. With respect to air safety facilities, VHF omniranges and distance
measuring equipment (VOR/DME) are being redeveloped. As regards air traffic control
facilities, air lane surveillance radar networks designed to keep a constant eye
on aircraft on given air lanes are being streamlined.
The training of personnel is an important matter for the assurance of air
safety. Of all the types of personnel engaged in aviation, those other than the
pilots may be trained by each airline, but the central Government positively trains
pilots or gives guidance on their training, which calls for an enormous amount
of money and time. Particularly, the pilots to be engaged in regular air transport
require sophisticated knowledge and ability. For this purpose) Civil Aviation
College has been established as the training center. The Self-Defense Forces also
turn out to be a major supplying source of pilots.
The hijacking and demolition of aircraft and other crimes which have been
on the upturn in recent years are a threat to the lives of aircraft crewmen and
passengers and the safety of property and consequently cannot be ignored when
the measures to assure air safety are considered. To cope with these crimes, international
collaboration is being further stepped up, and attempts are being made to strengthen
safety inspections and security systems at various airport facilities.
In fiscal 1973, there were 45 civil aircraft accidents in Japan, of which
four were associated with civil passenger aircraft (including the three accidents
in which passengers died of diseases on board).
