From low visibility to high performance
The client: P/F Vága Floghavn
Vaisala solution: Forward Scatter Sensor FD70
Providing trusted aviation weather from cloud to ground
Learn how Vagar Airport in the Faroe Islands ensured runway safety and efficiency with Vaisala forward scatter sensing technology.
THE CHALLENGE: Low visibility and frequent winds
P/F Vága Floghavn operates Vagar Airport, located in the picturesque Faroe Islands. The airport serves as a hub for domestic and international flights and connects the remote islands with the rest of the world.
Vagar Airport faces unique weather challenges. The airport's approach to the runway is close to high fjords, where wind conditions can be unpredictable. Pilots flying to Vagar Airport even require special training to navigate the unique topography and meteorological conditions. The region also experiences frequent low visibility conditions, making safe operations a top priority as it accommodates a robust fishing trade and increasing tourism.
The airport needed a reliable and accurate system to measure present weather and visibility conditions, as well as the runway visual range (RVR), which is the distance that a pilot can see along the runway.
THE APPROACH: The industry standard in airport weather accuracy
Vága Floghavn's long history with Vaisala technology and aviation expertise led them to choose Vaisala for their runway weather monitoring needs. They had a positive experience with Vaisala equipment, as the airport had been utilizing a previous generation forward scatter sensor for several years.
“We are extremely pleased with the FD70 sensor at Vagar Airport. Weather is constantly changing in the Faroes, making reliable and accurate visibility detection critical, and this has far exceeded our expectations. The advanced technology has greatly enhanced runway safety and efficiency, allowing us to navigate low visibility conditions with confidence.”
Birgir Johansen
Electronics engineer, Vága Floghavn
Vága Floghavn selected the highly advanced Vaisala Forward Scatter Sensor FD70, which detects all precipitation types, intensity and visibility with pinpoint accuracy. Combined with a background luminance sensor and runway light setting, FD70 enhances Auto- METAR reliability and provides the best-in-class RVR reporting.
The Faroe Islands are known for their challenging weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow and storms. FD70 is specifically designed to handle such extreme weather, providing accurate and reliable visibility detection even in the harshest conditions.
THE RESULTS: Exceptional visibility detection for safe and efficient flights
Vága Floghavn successfully overcame the challenges posed by low visibility and unpredictable wind conditions at Vagar Airport. The advanced FD70 provides accurate visibility detection in any weather, enabling safer and more efficient operations.
The solution provides accurate and real-time information on weather and visibility conditions, which helps airport staff and pilots make informed decisions. Vagar Airport also publishes visibility, weather and cloud values during the airport’s service hours on their website for the public. With built-in robust data security and minimal maintenance requirements, the solution will continue to benefit the airport as they serve a growing customer base for years to come.
