A postscript to the discussion on the final closure of 05L/23R - the excellent Bish/Piket history of LHR ATC bundles together the works at the end of the 1960s to prepare for the introduction of the 747.
These included the extension of 10L/28R, the T3 Arrivals building and Pier 7
Pier 7, which I believe was completed by the time Pan Am's 747 services to LHR started in January 1970, lies along the line of the former 15R/33L and would also have necessitated the closure of 05L/23R due to its proximity.
Incidentally, Heathrow's current control tower also lies on the line of the old runway.
Originally Posted by
kcockayne
I well remember seeing (from LATCC car park) a KLM DC8-63 going downwind left hand for 05L. I was at LATCC from 1971 to ‘73 & believe that this was in the winter of ‘72/‘73. Also, I think that SIDS were in operation from EGLL during 1971.
Perhaps a silly question, but if the KLM was on a LH downwind, could it not equally have been for 05R ?