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Old 13th May 2014, 19:05
  #3137 (permalink)  
Aluminium shuffler
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
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I don't see a runway that is lined up with Windsor Castle getting the go ahead, and nor do I think it should. The planners chose a bad location when they decided on a new London airport to replace Croydon - it was good for transport links but too limited for physical expansion and growth of traffic. This extension is not going to work well - what's the point in increasing the runway capacity by 50% at a curfewed airport if you can expand LGW by 100% with no curfew?

My biggest doubt over LHR is a simple safety one - I don't think it's a great idea having so many arrivals and departures over such a congested area. BA038 was very lucky with its energy profile that it came down in a clear area. Then there are the departures - remember the STN 747 cargo accident? I don't think increasing an airport buried in conurbation is sensible - airports should generally have relatively clear undershoots if possible, and at LGW and STN it is possible.
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