Iberia Commander Reveals Secrets of Air Traffic Safety

A former Iberia commander recently shared insights into crucial aviation safety systems during a podcast interview with Mami Que Dices. The interview focused on the often-overlooked role of radar and TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) in preventing mid-air collisions. "The radar is meteorological," the commander explained, "detecting the presence of clouds." He differentiated this from the controller's radar, which tracks multiple aircraft simultaneously. The commander also highlighted TCAS, a relatively newer system, as a crucial tool in preventing collisions by providing real-time alerts and guidance to pilots. He described a typical TCAS-assisted maneuver to avoid a collision: "one plane descends, the other ascends." While seemingly simple, the commander emphasized the high-pressure nature of such situations. This informative interview provides valuable insight into the unseen systems ensuring the safety of air travel.