View Full Version : LCY with A318
Hard Rock
28th Apr 2008, 13:22
I've just read that BA is to start operations flying to JFK from LCY in an all business class configuration of 32 pax using Airbus A318s. Now I've never actually operated in or out of LCY, however I used to position there quite regularly & before the days of 'enhanced security' in the UK I used to go up to the jump seat for landings. If I remember correctly it has a 5 degree glide slope & a 1400m runway.
I'm surprised that a 318 can get into or out of LCY carrying full fuel for a transatlantic flight even with such a low pax figure. Does anyone have the lowdown on the technical aspects of this. I'd just be interested.
ATCO Two
28th Apr 2008, 13:37
LCY has a 5.5 degree glidepath. I believe the A318 has had some technical modifications to allow it to operate into LCY. I am sure these will be described in more detail by an expert. The outbound flight is via Shannon to refuel, but the inbound is direct from KJFK. Hope this helps.
saman
28th Apr 2008, 13:53
The A318 has been approved by EASA to fly Steep Approaches up to 5.5 degrees having successfully demonstrated the 'abuse case' of 7.5 degrees. It is an optional fit that requires a software change with the installation of a push button on the flight deck as the only hardware change. The software changes enable speed control to be easily maintained - whist still keeping plenty of lift for the flare - via judicious use of the upper wing spoiler surfaces.
It lands like a feather and goes up like a very quiet rocket!
Founder
28th Apr 2008, 16:18
With ACT (additional center tanks), which exchanges cargo-space for fuel, you can almost fly around the world with that aircraft without refueling...
Hard Rock
29th Apr 2008, 09:30
Thank you for the responses everyone, very interesting indeed & you learn something new every day. I seem to remember VLM looking at the possibility of using Fokker 70s into LCY but I think it was Air Liberte who once tried it & described the landing, "as a controlled crash!"
The A318 must be an incredibly versatile aircraft.
Megaton
29th Apr 2008, 09:36
Direct flts are being planned out of LCY. I believe the current idea is for a tech stop in Shannon.
gypaetus
29th Apr 2008, 10:39
There is some more info on this in the Airbus FAST Magazine, see link below
http://www.content.airbusworld.com/SITES/Customer_services/html/acrobat/fast_40_p7_12_A318steepapproach.pdf
Founder post 4.
Funny eh, how even bright designers can get carried away? I mean, why take an aircraft to fly all the way around the world - in that case a bycicle would get you to your target quicker! Why don't they grasp that half way around is always as far as you might ever want to go?