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Old 11th Dec 2014, 22:57
  #29 (permalink)  
criticalmass
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: South of YSSY
Age: 72
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As a user of YWOL on an almost daily basis, attempting to land a 747-400 there would raise several significant issues.

The only runway it could conceivably use is 34/16, which is just over 1800m long and rated to 25 tonnes. It's 30m wide, with grass either side. It has a PAPI and a published GPS approach at either end. Nothing else.

I am not sure either the runway itself, or the turning bays at either end, are strong enough to suport the aircraft or to allow it to turn it around, under its own power or being towed. To remove the requirement to turn the aircraft around on the runway after landing it would have perform a full-stop landing to finish by the intersection, meaning only runway 16 is "in play", and one hell of a lot of reverse-thrust would be required. It will require an exemption for overweight operations as a "once-off".

I have doubts the taxiway to the HARS area would also suport the aircraft, since it was laid down in the days of YWOL being a 5.7t airport, although it does support Connie. (Not sure what the pavement-loading difference between the 747 and Connie landing-gear actually is. At least the 747 has a lot more tyres to spread the pressure over.)

So flying it there presents serious technical issues, but if anyone here has more detailed knowledge maybe they can shed more light on these matters.

If OJA comes to YWOL it may well do so on several large trucks, to be re-assembled in-situ. Information to hand via the council suggests it will occupy a large space between HARS and where the old restaurant used to be (where the Dash-8s of old used to park).

If it does come to YWOL, it will be a tourist drawcard indeed, and the HARS people will take good care of her. And, if someone does have the conjones to land it here, there will be an enthusiastic and numerous audience to witness what will be truly a once-in-a-lifetime sight, sound and experience.
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