Purpose and schedule of the measurement flights

The upcoming measurement flights will take place in the afternoon and at night and will last until 2:00 a.m. at the latest. They are part of the regular checks required to verify the accuracy of the navigation systems on runways 14, 16 and 28.

Zurich Airport had already conducted similar test flights in June and July of this year to test the new instrument landing system on runway 34. This latest round of tests completes the evaluation of all remaining instrument landing systems.

Flight route and equipment

The measurement flights are carried out with a twin-engine Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft equipped with modern navigation aids and a high-precision flight measurement device. The aircraft flies to the side, above and below the published flight paths in order to record and evaluate signals from the airport’s navigation equipment. Due to the nature of these checks, the aircraft may occasionally deviate from the usual flight paths.

The Swiss air traffic control company Skyguide is responsible for planning and carrying out these measurement flights. It ensures that the tests are carried out safely and effectively.

Upcoming tests in October

After the old localizer transmitter has been dismantled, additional measurement flights for runway 34 are planned for mid-October 2024. In contrast to the August flights, the October tests will be carried out exclusively in the afternoon to minimize nighttime disruptions.

Ensuring safe and precise operation

These periodic checks are crucial to maintaining the accuracy and reliability of Zurich Airport’s navigation systems and thus ensuring safe and efficient flight operations. By conducting these tests, Zurich Airport and Skyguide are reaffirming their commitment to flight safety and operational excellence.