Comparing the region to the airspace over metropolitan New York, an Israeli Air Force officer told the Jerusalem Post that private and chartered aircraft sometimes fly recklessly and are the main source of aerial dangers in Israel. A booming aviation economy has its bonuses, but the officer involved in coordinating joint military/civilian use of airspace says that while flight operations there have doubled in the past two years, the expansion has not come without consequence. Two incidents within the past month — one involving an F-16 and an Arkia airliner, another involving a private airplane and an Arkia aircraft — have pushed midair safety to the headlines in the public eye. Minimum vertical separation in some areas of Israel is 400 feet, and new radar and monitoring systems installed at some airfields are being used to combat the problem. “We also restrict the number of aircraft allowed in the air at the same time,” the official said.
Private Flights Blamed For Israel Near Midairs
Key Takeaways:
- An Israeli Air Force officer stated that reckless flying by private and chartered aircraft is the main source of aerial dangers in Israel, comparing the region's airspace to metropolitan New York.
- A booming aviation economy has doubled flight operations in the past two years, leading to increased midair safety risks and recent incidents involving military, private, and commercial aircraft.
- To combat these dangers, Israel utilizes measures such as minimum vertical separation (400 feet in some areas), new radar and monitoring systems, and restrictions on the number of aircraft allowed in the air.
See a mistake? Contact us.
