Perhaps they should have followed Atkins' advice given in the feasibility study from 2005
FLIGHT TESTING
7.82 The designs of the aerodrome options on Prosperous Bay Plain have been undertaken in
a rigorous manner and while there is high confidence in the designs and the associated
cost estimates, they remain concepts. There are doubts concerning local weather
conditions and, in particular, there are doubts about the amount of turbulence that could be
expected on the approaches (due to the elevated location and the surrounding bluffs). It is
therefore recommended that, regardless of which aerodrome option is chosen and before
the runway design is finalised, a charter aircraft should fly test the approaches to and
departures from the intended runway. This would ensure confidence in the final design and
may be regarded as part of the design process applicable to St Helena’s circumstances.
The most suitable aircraft for this would be the four-engine L 100 Hercules: this could route
via Ascension Island for refuelling and crew rest stops. A cost estimate of £¦¦ to cover the
aircraft charter and ancillary costs has been included in the Financial / Economic model for
this purpose, for each access option.
http://www.sainthelenaaccess.com/app...port_Final.pdf, p 117