Originally Posted by
eckhard
3. Bedford seems like a good choice, with respect to runway length, emergency facilities, etc. In the worst case, an immobilised aircraft would be blocking the runway at a fairly quiet military field, without an active combat or operational role, instead of causing chaos at a busier civil airport. As to whether Bedford would accept them following a “Pan” call, I would have thought that they would, barring any overriding military protocol which may have existed at the time.
In '83, a better choice would be Manston; they still had full 'Master Diversion' crash facilities there (foam 'carpet' if needed) plus the Fire School to call on if necessary.
I think the other MDA in those days was Leeming so if you're already up north, that might be a closer alternative.
Bedford wasn't military by the way, it was MOD(PE) ie a 'government' airfield, with military aircrew and civilian ATC. It only ever had Mil Cat 4 fire cover so not enough for a '747.