At the moment RWY 23 is used both as a heli runway for landing,but also departing off 05.This increases our capacity.Also it is used for hover work when they are in the circuit,or airtest.The only other place for hover work is on the compass area(very limited) or on RWY 16/34.The BAA do not allow it anywhere else.Close 23 and we are really s
rewed.
RWY 18 and 32 have to integrated with 16/34 operations at all times.They can speed up the flow a bit,but we already do that.The problem is that every movement either crosses,infrindges,departs or lands on 16/34.
I think they are building more houses on the old Lawsons site.As for an IFR approach,then many years ago the CAA and FAA trialed an MLSfor both 16/34 and 23.It worked very well including curved approaches,but the thought of 2 go-arounds of 16/34 and 23 at the same time isn't pretty.That's why 23 is a VFR heli runway with strict cut off points,as far a heli engine faiure etc.
Mind you by 2030 I'll be retired so don't really care.
PS Richmond Irish sausages are a very good substitute.
