I fail to be able to compare the psychology of some pilots here, who object to my preference in having the longest runway possible, for a possible rejected takeoff situation potential. Is this new generation of pilots not trying to "bank" additional safety in their way to operate airplanes...?
xxx
All of us have one thing in common. We all operate our airplanes from A to B by trying to gain "extra" safety (or economy) here and there. This is in the same order than, as an example (for a 747) adding an extra 1000-2000 kilos of fuel, or computing a certain takeoff for an extra (higher) 5º temperature because it is likely that the current ATIS temperature will rise another (say) 2 or 3º by the time you line-up for departure.
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For me, the gentlemen here above that prefer an intersection to a full length runway will then never take that extra 1000 kilos of fuel, or will be satisfied with the cooler ATIS temperature recorded 45 minutes ago. For me, an extra 1,000 feet of runway might save an airplane. I operated 747s (and 707/DC8s) long enough in my career, at a weight close to (if not equal to) the runway limit weight, and taking off with a liftoff in the last 1000 feet of that runway.
xxx
Here in Pprune, we constantly read future pilots who question speed V1 and rejected takeoffs. Many qualified pilots all agree of a "decision V1" that should be done some (say) 5 knots (or more) below V1. I use the same philosophy, if not in terms of speed, then in term of runway available in front of the airplane. The more runway, the better. Sorry...
xxx
You question rejected takeoff accidents...? The one that comes to my mind is the Kalitta 747 BRU accident at the end of runway 20 (last May). I am certain the crew regretted not to have used 25R, which is longer.
xxx
I can recall a personal incident in DXB, 25 years ago, where I took off with a DC8-63F which got overloaded (by some 10 or 15 tonnes of freight) because of a confusion between kilos and pounds. If that day, I would have used a shorter runway (i.e. intersection), I might not be here today to write about it.
xxx
This is my last week as an active pilot, as I retire friday. I might continue to contribute to this forum in trying to promote safety with my good words of wisdom as an "old fart" as a "hasbeen" to coin a word opposite to "wannabee".
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Appears that my career reputation was good, having been invited to continue as pilot training consultant, from a desk, in a classroom or "stimulators"... So, if not too busy in checking bikinis at the beach, emptying a few beers or wine, I might visit Pprune at times to "rant" about long runways and intersection takeoffs. Free for you, my detractors, to criticize my recommendations.
xxx
Happy contrails, always.