What is the reason for switching runways earlier than before and nominating 30R as departure runway at 8am, even with tailwinds?
The other week, the duty runway was changed to 30R around 8am and several flights requested 12L, still as per then ATIS, (and were subsequently turned down) as 30R imposed payload restrictions and forced them to start offloading payload. With a tailwind component 30R becomes even more limiting and while this may not affect most airplanes or short haul flights, A340-300's and Rolls Royce powered 777-300's, which both make up for the lack of thrust with an increase in required runway length, become quickly payload limited.
In the past, the changeover happened around 10-11am when the seabreeze starts to move in.
Does 30R allow ATC to move traffic quicker in/out because of current taxyway closures?
While I enjoy taking off and NOT having to look into the morning sun, I hate to leave staff
and freight (Unfortunately, standby staff will be offloaded before everything else.) behind because ATC insists on a more limiting runway with a tailwind component and won't budge.
I realize, controllers don't do this out of spite, but I would like to understand the reasons better.