Originally Posted by
brakedwell
I used to go into Funchal regularly with Air Europe in the Boeing 737/200 and then the Boeing 757. It didn't use the 757 for Funchals until November 1985, over 2 years after its introduction. I was one of the first to be checked out into Funchal in November 27th 1985 and cannot remember any real frights on the short runway. The 757 had a better take off performance than the 737, and all our Manchester and Gatwick flights were non stop. Landings were Captain only, but First Officers were allowed to do the take-offs, which were the most frightening part of the operation!
Many thanks,
FNC was 1600m up until 1986, then 200m was added.
I have just had a spanner thrown in the works, that BIA British Island Airways
may have taken their shiny new
MD-83's in there from 1988 (1800m runway) ---->
More digging!