It is now possible to land at Tartu Airport using DME procedures
Starting from 1 June, it is possible to use the Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) in addition to the usual GPS navigation solution to land at Tartu Airport. DME procedures can be used by anyone whose onboard equipment and procedures support it.
Adding the DME option to Tartu Airport's procedures is a solution that allows Tartu Airport, as part of the current flight information service, to continue serving flights that have a GPS or other conventional navigation solution as a prerequisite for the airline's procedures. In light of worsening GPS communication problems, DME offers a good navigation alternative. Thanks to the DME solution, Finnair can also start flying to Tartu again – the first flight will depart tomorrow, 2 June.
DMEs are devices on the ground, from which the signal reaches the aircraft's onboard display enabling identifying its location with pinpoint accuracy. DMEs have already been used in Estonia, and this year the Estonian Air Navigation Services has increased their number across Estonia to achieve better coverage. DMEs have been an alternative means of navigation for air traffic above an altitude of 3 km since March and now their use has been extended to lower airspace as well.
Estonian Air Navigation Services is a company owned by the Estonian state that offers safe digital air traffic services for both manned and unmanned flights, develops aviation and manages Estonian airspace.