NORTH CLARENDON, Vt. -
Landing at the state airport in North Clarendon just got a lot safer.
The Southern Vermont Regional Airport recently installed an instrument landing system (ILS). It's a series of radio frequencies and runway lights to help pilots land. Pilots can land without it, but it can be difficult, especially when visibility is low. The airport found pilots were often diverting to Burlington or Lebanon, N.H.
Officials hope the new system will help make the region a more attractive place for commercial airlines -- and for business investment.
"The ILS will bring in more jet traffic. There's no question. We will bring in more passengers. There's no question," said Guy Rouelle of VTrans.
Rouelle says the airport has a $14 million, five-year plan to improve the runway and build a larger terminal to handle the increased jet and passenger traffic.
