The system, which cost $3.1 million, helps pilots land safely during stormy weather and will minimize the need to divert to Will Rogers World Airport.
Wiley Post Airport's new addition gives pilots an edge when landing in stormy or foggy weather.
A new instrument landing system has been installed on the south end of the airport's primary runway at a cost of $3.1 million. The project was funded mostly by excise tax revenues received from aircraft sales; additional funding was provided by the Oklahoma City Airport Trust and the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission.
It's the second instrument landing system at the airport; the other one is on the north end.
Tim Whitman, general aviation manager for Wiley Post and Clarence E. Page Airports, said the instrument landing system will minimize the need for pilots to divert to Will Rogers World Airport.
“The new ILS provides a significantly higher level of service for Wiley Post Airport,” Whitman said. “Our tenants are thrilled with the new system. For many, if they can't fly into the airport, they can't do business. So this system is not only important to them, but to the airport overall.”
How it works
An instrument landing system is what pilots use to safely guide their aircraft to the runway when weather conditions such as fog, rain or blowing snow are present. The system uses ground-based radio signals, which the pilot receives using the aircraft's navigation radio.
In Oklahoma, weather affects a large number of operations at Wiley Post Airport, said Karen Carney, an airport spokeswoman. Having two instrument landing systems is rare for a general aviation airport and an attractive amenity to corporations and pilots looking for an airport to call home, she added.
The Federal Aviation Administration will operate and maintain the system.
Nearly 500 aircraft are based at Wiley Post Airport, at N Rockwell Avenue between NW 50 and Wilshire Boulevard, and most can use the instrument landing system.
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