I heared that story of a Captain considering ditching off Perth 30 years ago, when QF had the first of the 524D powered 747's.
One has to wonder why taxiway W, which used to be a runway, isnt maintained as servicable emergency runway, surely it wouldnt cost huge $ as the tarmac is allready there. However, there is never a shortage of $ to expand the retail part of the terminal. Do we have our priorities wrong?
With 50kts on the nose, would Rottnest have been viable as a runway of last resort for a 737?. Forget about pavement strength etc, that can be sorted out later, repairs etc. Given that Perth has a long history of unforcast extream weather, why arent most runways around Perth, Jandakit, Rottnest etc made suitable for an emergency such as this.
Yeah, I already know the answer, any money around is being used to expand the retail precinct.